Himachal Pradesh Takes Steps for Effective Plastic Waste Management
Shimla, the picturesque capital of Himachal Pradesh, has set its sights on battling plastic waste through a strategic move. The state government has announced its commitment to implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) as a key approach to better manage plastic waste within its borders.
In a significant development, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu chaired a meeting alongside officials from the state Pollution Control Board. The focal point of discussion was the Extended Producer Responsibility mechanism, which aims to ensure that all stakeholders engaged in the production of plastic waste actively contribute to its effective management.
As part of this proactive stance, it was determined that plastic waste producers across all districts must undergo registration. The Chief Minister issued a clear directive to officials at the district, civic, and Pollution Control Board levels, urging them to diligently oversee the management of plastic waste. This entails ensuring that all brand owners and plastic material producers within the state are duly registered.
The meeting witnessed participation from key representatives of organizations dedicated to waste recycling efforts. These included the Action Alliance for Recycling Beverage Carton (AARC), focusing on waste beverage containers; the PET Packaging Association for Clean Environment (PACE), addressing PET bottle recycling; and WE Care, advocating for efficient waste collection and recycling endeavors.
D.C Rana, Director of the state Department of Environment, Science, Technology & Climate Change, disclosed that around 30 brand owners and producers have already registered in the state. However, the goal remains to bring more stakeholders on board. During the meeting, various actionable points were deliberated upon, in collaboration with the representatives of AARC, WE Care, and PACE.
Creating awareness among producers, importers, and brand owners to register under the centralized portal developed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Central Pollution Control Board emerged as a critical need.
In the operational realm, regional officers of the HP State Pollution Control Board are poised to verify the accuracy of information related to plastic waste credits. This verification process pertains to the plastic waste generated by producers, importers, and brand owners within Himachal Pradesh. The objective is to ensure transparent and accountable handling of plastic waste on an actual basis.
Himachal Pradesh’s resolute commitment to embracing EPR underscores its dedication to environmental stewardship. As the state takes definitive steps toward responsible plastic waste management, it sets a commendable example for others to follow, reiterating the importance of collective action for a greener and cleaner future.
