India's ban on single-use plastics runs into challenges, pitches new rules

A government committee has identified items to be banned based on an index of their utility and environmental impact.

Worldwide, one to five trillion plastic bags are consumed annually. If tied together, five trillion single-use plastic bags would cover an area twice the size of France. Soon, Indians will have to take cognisance of this environmental threat and adopt alternatives to carry bags, straws and cling film as the country starts to phase out single-use plastic (SUP) starting next year.

A central government committee has identified the SUP items to be banned based on an index of their utility and environmental impact. Environmental experts have welcomed this move while plastic manufacturers have expressed reservations and asked for putting off