The Menace Of Plastic Waste- A Legislative Analysis From The Indian Perspective

Abstract

Plastic debris may cause some ‘serious harm’ not only to humans but also to the natural environment. This is because, after its disposal, it may either emit harmful chemicals or absorb toxic pollutants as an aftereffect proven by scientists. There are various reasons for the increase in waste like rapid population growth, urbanization, industrial growth, and growth in the usage of plastic which has led to severe waste management problems around the world. To address the problems of the waste issues prevalent in society, an impactful legal system is required to make an action plan and to enforce the provisions of law, both internationally and within the domestic framework of our country. Similarly, to deal with the problem of plastic waste, Indian policymakers have brought much-sought legislation and amended them with the changing needs of society. The problem of plastic waste is contemporary in which plastic is not a problem, but waste is a problem. It started due to mismanagement and lack of awareness amongst the public and the manufacturer of plastic products. The problem started in the eighties when there was an absence of legislation, which could have dealt with the waste. And in India, the first legislation came into force in 2011. This Article seeks to reflect on plastic waste regulations and international conventions along with domestic legislation. It looks into the working of Waste Regulation Board actions and implementation along with the policies framed by the Government of India to regularize and then minimize the generation of plastic waste. It further discusses the questions arising out of amendments that need to be made to make the Swachh Bharat Mission a success as a part of India’s efforts to achieve Sustainable Development.