Bhubaneswar: The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), Odisha has undertaken Plastic Free Picnic Challenge Program in 176 prominent picnic spots in the State in collaboration with NGO to prohibit use of plastic in picnic spots and to create awareness among public.
This was informed by Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ramsing Khuntia in State Legislative Assembly while replying to a question of Congress MLA Sofia Firdous.
The Union Government and State’s Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department have issued notifications to ban single use plastic (SUP) items.
The Department has issued the notification in 2018 and has communicated to all ULBs for necessary implementation, he said.
The State Pollution Control Board has issued directions to all Collectors and concerned departments to comply with the notification enforce the ban SUPs w.e.f from July 1, 2022.
Further, the Board in February 2022 has notified for prohibition on production, storing, distribution, selling and use of single use plastics.
Based on the above regulations and notifications, the SPCB has taken the following actions to enforce the Ban on Single use Plastics across the State, the Minister said.
Joint raids have been carried out with the ULBs and district administration to seize the illegal sale and stock of SUPs and impose fine on the violators, he said.
Ear buds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, polystyrene (Thermocol) for decoration have been completely banned in the State.
Similarly, plates, cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straw, trays, wrapping or packaging films around sweet boxes, invitation cards and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100-micron stirrers, he added.
Besides, he stated, carry bag made of virgin or recycled plastic, one hundred and twenty (120) microns in thickness with effect from December 31, 2022
Public notices have been issued by the Board on ban on SUPs which are applicable to government offices also, he added.
Shri Ramsing Khuntia said cotton bags, paper bags, sack bags, cup plates, bottles made up of steel and glass and other green alternatives, bamboo & wooden items, pottery and other ceramics, compostable plastics are few alternatives which can replace single use plastic items.