Recently The Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) has reported that in the past three years, a total of 1,858 industries across the state have been penalized for violating the single-use plastic (SUP) ban. This comes as part of a statewide enforcement effort to tackle plastic pollution and promote environmental sustainability.
The enforcement actions have included more than 10,500 inspections conducted by the TGPCB in collaboration with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and local municipal bodies. These checks spanned a variety of establishments, including industrial sites, street vendors, and commercial spaces.
As a result of these inspections, 1,820 challans (penalty notices) were issued, leading to the seizure of approximately 7,812 kilograms of banned plastic materials. Penalties totaling Rs 22.3 lakh (approximately $27,000) were imposed as a deterrent against future violations.
Key Findings:
– In the initial enforcement phase from October 2022 to December 2023, 1,127 challans were issued, resulting in fines of Rs 13 lakh.
– Continuing efforts into early 2024 saw an additional 474 penalties, followed by 219 more in the recent months.
– Notably, in October 2022, TGPCB ordered the shutdown of 13 industries due to their non-compliance with the SUP ban, and another eight industries faced closure in December 2022 for operating without the necessary board approvals.
Prasanna Kumar, a senior scientist at TGPCB, stated, “The increase in inspection frequency and strict enforcement signals our commitment to combating plastic pollution and encouraging eco-friendly practices among businesses.”
In a bid to lead by example, the Telangana state secretariat has also adopted measures to eliminate single-use plastics. This includes replacing traditional plastic items with steel and cloth alternatives, setting up purified water dispensers, and establishing a utensil return bank. Regular awareness sessions for government staff aim to foster a culture of sustainability.
-Raja Aditya
