PANJIM: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has directed all the State pollution authorities (SPCB), including Goa, to ensure that there is a total ban on single use plastic (SUP) in the States before July 1. The SPCB have been directed to revoke the consent and registration issued to the producers of banned SUP items.
CPCB has asked State authorities to undertake district and taluka-wise mapping of major commercial establishments like malls, market places, shopping centres, cinema houses, tourist locations, educational institutions, office complexes, hospitals and other institutions as well as stockers, retailers, sellers, importers dealing in bulk in SUP items and direct them to take necessary action to ensure zero inventory of banned SUP items by July 1. This has to be completed by this month end.
From March 1 onwards, random inspection will be conducted of mapped establishments to see implementation of the directions.
“To take necessary action, including cancellation of commercial licences issued, against the identified entities if found violating the stipulated conditions,” the CPCB said in a letter issued on February 1.
The Central Board has asked SPCBs to revoke or modify consents and registration issued to the producers engaged in production of banned SUP items and to direct them to take necessary action to ensure zero inventory of banned SUP items before July 1.
The SPCBs have been asked to direct the plastic raw material manufactures not to supply such raw material and e-commerce companies to discontinue selling banned SUP items.
“State to frame local bye-laws for levying environmental compensation in line with CPCB guidelines for violation of stipulated conditions,” the Board said.
