Greta Jimenez
India has been tackling coastal pollution through various initiatives led by state governments, NGOs, and individuals. While the country has focused on managing plastic waste with beach clean-up drives and a Marine Litter Policy, activists emphasize the need to address the plastic production process and products. India's ban on specific plastic items, like plastic bags, is a welcome step, but it falls short of a comprehensive solution. The country is also addressing chemical pollution, which includes fertilizers, pesticides, and untreated sewage, as well as oil spills and coal emissions. The government and coastal states are legally obligated to control marine pollution and protect coastal environments. However, there is a perceived lack of action regarding certain types of pollution, and India still struggles to manage its vast plastic waste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marine pollution control | India has been focusing on 'managing' plastic waste through beach clean-up drives and has been working on a Marine Litter Policy since 2018. |
| Plastic waste management | Several Indian states have banned or regulated the use of certain types of plastic, such as plastic bags of a certain thickness. |
| Microplastics regulation | Regulations regarding microplastics in consumer goods are still under development. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) banned microbeads in cosmetics in 2017, but this was only implemented in 2020. |
| Upstream pollution reduction | Activists argue that India should focus on reducing plastic production, not just managing waste. |
| Illegal fishing management | India needs to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in its coastal waters. |
| Protection of exclusive economic zones | India must protect fish and other resources in exclusive economic zones claimed by the government in coastal waters. |
| Ocean-based tourism promotion | India should promote ocean-based tourism and leisure activities with a connected regulatory framework for safety in territorial waters and the high seas. |
| Indian Ocean sea lanes safety | India should ensure the safety and security of Indian Ocean sea lanes, which carry much of the world's cargo, including petroleum. |
| Fiber optic cable safety | India should ensure the safety of fiber optic cables on the ocean floor that transmit internet traffic, financial transactions, emails, and phone calls. |
| International cooperation | India should work in partnership with other countries and share information, expertise, and best practices to address maritime challenges effectively. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- India's ban on certain types of plastic, such as plastic bags above a certain thickness
- Beach clean-ups and drives by state governments, NGOs, and individuals
- India's participation in the Clean Seas Campaign, a global campaign by the UNEP
- The National Green Tribunal asking the Union Government to test leading cosmetics brands for microplastics
- The need to reduce plastic production, not just manage plastic waste
India's ban on certain types of plastic, such as plastic bags above a certain thickness
India has been taking several measures to combat coastal pollution, including beach clean-up drives and working on a Marine Litter Policy since 2018. However, activists argue that more focus should be on reducing plastic production rather than simply managing plastic waste.
One of the significant steps taken by India to address coastal pollution is the ban on certain types of plastic, particularly single-use plastic items. From July 1, 2022, the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of several single-use plastic items were prohibited. This included items such as plastic bags, earbuds with plastic sticks, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, plastic cups, cutlery, straws, wrapping films, and more.
The ban was implemented in a staggered manner to minimize its impact on small businesses and traders. The thickness clause of the ban was carefully considered, with polythene bags below 50 microns already banned, and the prohibition extended to bags under 75 microns from September 30, 2022, and ultimately to bags under 120 microns from December 31, 2022. This thickness clause is expected to improve the collection and recycling of used carrier bags, addressing the issue of uncollected plastic waste choking drainage and river systems and contaminating soil and water.
The responsibility for waste management and ensuring proper segregation, collection, storage, transportation, processing, and disposal of plastic waste falls on urban local bodies and 'gram panchayats'. While compostable plastic carry bags are exempt from the thickness clause, their manufacturers or sellers must obtain a certificate from the Central Pollution Control Board before marketing or selling them.
India's ban on single-use plastic items is a step towards more progressive plastic waste legislation. However, it is important to recognize the potential socio-economic and environmental impacts of such bans and promote alternatives to single-use plastics carefully. Additionally, the focus should also be on addressing pollution from the plastic production process and the products manufactured from it.
Pollution's Role in Natural Disasters: A Complex Link
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![[1 Galllon] Instant Boat Hull Cleaner - Made in USA - Powerful Dual Acid Formula Easily Removes Scum Lines, Rust Stains, Hard Waterlines, & More from Fiberglass, Gelcoat & Painted Boat Surfaces](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71zvQLQ7Q3L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Beach clean-ups and drives by state governments, NGOs, and individuals
India has been tackling plastic pollution at various levels, including beach clean-up drives by state governments, NGOs, and individuals. While India has been focusing on managing plastic waste, activists argue that more attention should be given to the plastic production process and the products manufactured from it.
Beach clean-ups are often carried out by state governments as part of their routine responsibilities. For example, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation conducts routine beach cleaning. However, critics argue that these clean-ups are insufficient, claiming that pollution must be tackled at its source. Shaunak Modi, co-founder of the Coastal Conservation Foundation (CCF), a non-profit working on coastal and marine environments in Mumbai, highlights the issue of nurdles, small plastic pellets that are a common form of marine pollution. He asserts that even after beach clean-ups, nurdles can still be found buried in the sand.
NGOs and non-profits, such as the CCF, also play a crucial role in beach clean-ups and drives. The CCF was alerted to the presence of plastic pollution on Aksa Beach in Mumbai by a lifeguard who noticed translucent tiny drops that resembled fish eggs. Upon investigation, the CCF confirmed that these were plastic particles. The Clean Seas Campaign, a global campaign by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is another initiative that India joined in 2018. The National Centre for Coastal Research, Chennai (NCCR), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, has coordinated many beach clean-up drives since India's participation in the campaign.
In addition to beach clean-ups, several Indian states have banned or regulated the use of certain types of plastic. For instance, the National Green Tribunal in January 2017 urged the Union Government to test leading cosmetics brands for microplastics. Subsequently, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) classified microbeads as “unsafe” and banned their use in cosmetics starting in October 2017, although this ban was only implemented in 2020. While these initiatives are commendable, India still struggles to manage its vast plastic waste. There is a need for better segregation and disposal of polypropylene, and regulations for microplastics in consumer goods are still under development.
Overall, India is actively addressing coastal pollution through beach clean-up drives and plastic waste management initiatives led by state governments, NGOs, and individuals. However, there is a growing consensus that reducing plastic production and addressing pollution at its source are crucial components in the fight against coastal pollution.
Reducing Noise Pollution: Strategies and Innovations
You may want to see also
Explore related products
India's participation in the Clean Seas Campaign, a global campaign by the UNEP
India is actively involved in the Clean Seas Campaign, a global initiative led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to address the pressing issue of marine plastic pollution. This campaign aligns with India's efforts to combat the growing threat of plastic pollution, particularly in its coastal regions.
In June 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India's preparation to join the Clean Seas Campaign during an event marking World Environment Day (WED). India also hosted WED that year in collaboration with UNEP, with 'Beat Plastic Pollution' as the theme, reflecting the shared goal of tackling plastic waste.
India's participation in the Clean Seas Campaign involves engaging various government ministries, civil society, and citizens to address marine litter and plastic pollution. One notable initiative is the "Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar" campaign, which translates to "Clean Sea, Safe Sea." This campaign involves the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, the Indian Coast Guard, the National Disaster Management Authority, social organizations, and educational institutions. It aims to raise awareness about reducing marine litter, minimizing plastic use, proper waste segregation, and effective waste management along India's entire coastline. With massive public participation, this campaign is set to be the longest-running coastal cleanup initiative with the highest number of participants.
India has also been actively involved in coastal cleanup efforts through the Indian Maritime Foundation (IMF). The IMF collaborates with organizations such as the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) to engage volunteers, including students and members of schools, colleges, and NGOs, in cleaning river shores, lake surroundings, and coastal areas. These efforts extend beyond India's coastline, recognizing that river systems ultimately connect to the sea, and that maintaining healthy river ecosystems is integral to preserving the oceans.
Additionally, India has offered to contribute science and innovation-based solutions for implementing SDG-Goal 14, which calls for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources. Through partnerships and environmentally friendly solutions, India is committed to addressing the root causes of plastic pollution and promoting behavior changes to reduce plastic consumption and waste.
Forest Fires: Impact on Pollution and the Environment
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The National Green Tribunal asking the Union Government to test leading cosmetics brands for microplastics
India has been working to tackle plastic pollution at various levels, from state governments to NGOs and individuals. While the country has been focusing on "managing" plastic waste through initiatives such as beach clean-up drives and the development of a Marine Litter Policy since 2018, activists argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of plastic pollution.
In January 2017, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) asked the Union Government to test leading cosmetic brands for microplastics. This request came amid growing concerns about the presence of microplastics in consumer goods and their potential impact on the environment and human health. The NGT's intervention was a significant step in addressing the issue of microplastics in India.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) played a crucial role in this process. In May 2017, following the NGT's order, the BIS conducted a study and classified microbead products, commonly used in cosmetics, as "not fit for use." This classification was based on the potential health and environmental risks associated with microbeads. Subsequently, in October 2017, the BIS banned the use of microbeads in cosmetic products, and this ban was implemented in 2020.
However, despite the efforts of the NGT and the BIS, India has been slow to implement comprehensive legislation regarding microplastics. While other countries like the US, Canada, and the UK have banned the use of microplastics in cosmetics, India is still lagging in conceptualizing similar laws. This delay has led to concerns about the continued presence of microplastics in consumer goods, including cosmetics, and their potential impact on human health and the environment.
The presence of microplastics in Indian cosmetics has been confirmed through studies. In 2018, a study found that 50% of face wash products and 67% of facial scrubs contained microplastics. These microplastics, also known as "mermaid tears," were found in rinse-off products, leave-on lotions, and even toothpaste. The study highlighted the direct and indirect consumption of microplastics by Indians, as they have entered the food chain through contaminated food and water sources.
The Avengers: Fighting Pollution, Saving the World
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The need to reduce plastic production, not just manage plastic waste
India has been focusing on 'managing' plastic waste, with initiatives ranging from beach clean-up drives to a ban on certain types of plastic. However, activists argue that this is not enough, and that the government should also address plastic production and the products manufactured from it. This is because plastic pollution has several harmful effects on marine species and ecosystems, including ingestion, entanglement, and the transport of potentially invasive species. It can also absorb and transfer toxicants, potentially leading to the accumulation of toxins across the food web.
India has taken some steps to reduce plastic production, such as banning microbeads in cosmetics in 2017 (implemented in 2020), and joining the Clean Seas Campaign in 2018, which aims to raise awareness about marine litter and plastic pollution. However, there is still a lack of focus on the pollution emitted during the plastic production process and from the products made from plastic.
For example, in July 2023, a lifeguard in Mumbai noticed tiny plastic drops at Aksa beach, which crows were feeding on, mistaking them for fish eggs. Shaunak Modi, co-founder of the Coastal Conservation Foundation (CCF), a non-profit working on coastal and marine environments in Mumbai, said, "All the beach clean-ups are a sham if pollution is not tackled at the source [...] Most petrochemical industries are located near the coast, making these areas vulnerable to pollution from oil and nurdle spills and coal emissions too."
To effectively tackle marine plastic pollution, it is crucial to work on all three phases of the plastic lifecycle: upstream (where production happens), midstream (where products are made), and downstream (where waste needs to be handled). This includes implementing policies to tackle marine litter, banning single-use plastics, and managing and restricting waste disposal into the marine environment.
By focusing solely on waste management, India is neglecting the importance of reducing plastic production and regulating the use of plastic in products. This approach fails to address the root cause of the problem and may ultimately prove insufficient in combating the country's plastic pollution crisis.
Toxic Pollutants: Understanding Harmful Substances and Their Impact
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Marine pollution is the contamination of water bodies caused by waste generated by human activities. It poses a severe threat to aquatic life, which is an essential component of the food chain.
The primary sources of marine pollution in the Indian Ocean are chemicals, oil spillage, and plastic. Chemical pollution is caused by the entry of harmful chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, household products, pharmaceuticals, beauty products, and sewage into water bodies.
India has been addressing plastic pollution at various levels, including state governments, NGOs, and individuals. Initiatives include banning or regulating certain types of plastic, beach clean-ups, and developing a Marine Litter Policy. However, there is a need to focus on all phases of the plastic lifecycle, including production, product manufacturing, and waste management.
Marine plastic pollution has harmful effects on marine species and ecosystems, including ingestion, entanglement, and the spread of invasive species. Plastics can also absorb and transfer toxicants, leading to toxin accumulation across the food web. Additionally, plastic pollution causes significant economic damage to industries and communities, impacting shipping, fishing, and tourism.
The Government of India and the governments of coastal states are legally obligated to control marine pollution and protect coastal environments. India has joined international campaigns, such as the Clean Seas Campaign, and works in partnership with other countries to address marine pollution in the Indian Ocean.
