60 cities generate over 15K tonnes of plastic waste per day

The quantum of plastic waste generation in 60 cities of the country is estimated to be over 15,342 tonnes per day while more than 6,000 tonnes remain uncollected and littered, Rajya Sabha was informed today.
"As per a survey conducted by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in 60 cities of the country, the quantum of plastic waste generation is estimated to be 15,342.6 tonnes per day.
"The total plastic waste which is collected and recycled is estimated to be 9205 tonnes per day and 6137 tonnes remained uncollected and littered," Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said.
He said that as per the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules 2011 notified by the Ministry, the municipal authorities are required to set up plastic waste management system in areas under their jurisdiction.

Replying to another question, he said that the CPCB in collaboration with IIT Delhi has carried a comprehensive environmental assessment of 88 prominent industrial clusters during 2009-10 based on Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index criteria.
He said that out of the 88 clusters, 43 industrial clusters having CEPI score of 70 and above are identified as critically polluted clusters and 32 industrial clusters with CEPI scores between 60-70 are identified as Severely polluted areas.

"In January, CPCB constituted a working group headed by Director General Health Services under Health Ministry and comprising national level experts in the field including officials from various government agencies to develop a simplified and uniform Standard Operating Procedure for evaluation of impact of polluted air, water and land on human health, flora and fauna," he said.

Replying to another question, Javadekar said that as per the Forest Survey of India study for Sunderbans for the year 2002 and 2011, the mangrove cover for the Sunderbans for these two years have been reported to be 2111 sq kms and 2094 respectively indicating a decrease of 1700 hectares during the decade.
Replying to another question, he said that so far final notification for Eco Sensitive zones of around 23 sanctuaries and national parks have been issued.