Plastic Recycling Units In Bhopal Posing Serious Health Hazard, NGT Issues Directions On Multi-Layered Plastic & Microplastics

Taking suo motu cognisance of a news report published in a local daily, highlighting large-scale illegal plastic recycling activities and serious health hazards to lakhs of residents in Bhopal, the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Central Zone Bench, Bhopal, has issued a slew of directions to Madhya Pradesh Government, Pollution Control authorities and municipal bodies to strictly enforce plastic waste management laws and curb the menace of multi-layered plastic (MLP) and microplastics.Judicial Member Justice Sheo Kumar Singh, Expert Member Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi noted, "...more than 50 plastic recycling factories are also operating illegally in this area, posing a serious health threat to nearly 200,000 people living in the surrounding colonies. Piles of plastic waste can be seen everywhere in the narrow lanes of the junkyard. A brief investigation reveals machines used to convert plastic waste into granules. These granules are then sent to industrial areas across the state and the country, where they are used to manufacture polythene products."At least two small or large fires break out here every week. The smoke from burning plastic is especially alarming. Due to the extremely narrow lanes, it is often difficult for fire brigade vehicles to access the area, it added.The newspaper report pointed out that despite a ban on single-use plastic in Bhopal since 2022, polythene bags, disposable cups and plates continue to be used openly. It was reported that 10–12 tonnes of plastic waste reach municipal transfer stations and Adampur Cantonment daily, while an almost equal quantity is illegally recycled in scrap yards.The report also highlighted the alarming situation in the city's “junkyard” area, where over 50 illegal plastic recycling units are operating in narrow lanes, endangering the lives of nearly 2 lakh residents. It also took note of unregulated e-waste dismantling, where mobile phones, laptops and electronic components are broken down to extract valuable metals, releasing hazardous gases. A study conducted by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), commissioned by the Pollution Control Board, recorded PM10 levels of 225 near the scrapyard — the highest noted in the area.The NGT extensively examined the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, amendments thereto, and the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). It noted that:Multi-Layered Plastic (MLP) is largely non-recyclable, non-energy recoverable and has no viable alternative use.The 2018 amendment to Rule 9(3), which diluted the original mandate to phase out non-recyclable MLP, has been exploited by producers.There is no effective mechanism to ensure recovery of MLP waste by producers, despite statutory obligations.Burning of plastic and MLP releases carcinogenic toxins such as dioxins, furans and mercury, posing grave risks to human health and the environment.The Tribunal observed that while scientific data on toxicity is still evolving, the environmental threat posed by plastics and microplastics is undeniable and warrants immediate regulatory action.The Tribunal directed impleadment of multiple authorities including, Madhya Pradesh Government, Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Bhopal Municipal Corporation, Collectors and Municipal Corporations of Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Rewa and UjjainConsidering the seriousness of the issue, the Tribunal passed comprehensive remedial directions, including immediate substitution of non-degradable plastic in MLP packaging with biodegradable alternatives.Directions were issued to MoEF&CC to promote technologies for aluminium extraction from plastic foils and value-added reuse of MLP waste.Municipal bodies in major cities to review and strengthen plastic waste disposal infrastructure and Biannual monitoring of drinking water and wetlands for microplastics by recognised laboratories.Strong directions to the State Government and local authorities to shut down or relocate illegal plastic units to designated industrial zones away from residential areas.Formation of State-level and District-level monitoring committees to oversee plastic waste management and submit periodic compliance reports.The Tribunal directed that replies be filed within six weeks and Action Taken Reports be submitted within four weeks by the Principal Secretary (Environment), MPPCB, Collectors and Municipal Corporations.Title: Suo Moto Titled “Shehat Ka Kabad Do Lakh Logon Ke Liye Khatra Bane 50 Plastic Kharkhane” Dated 14th December, 2025, v. State of Madhya Pradesh & Ors.Click here to read order

Plastic Recycling Units In Bhopal Posing Serious Health Hazard, NGT Issues Directions On Multi-Layered Plastic & Microplastics

Aiman J. Chishti

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