[Single Use Plastic Ban] Extensive Awareness Programs Conducted, Waste Management Policy Framed: TN Govt Tells Madras High Court

Justice S Vaidyanathan and Justice PT Asha directed the Special Government Pleader and the Assistant Solicitor General to produce the copies of the policy on the next date of the hearing. Since the matter deals with environment pollution, the Court also deemed it fit to suo moto implead the Pollution Control Board.

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) informed the court that it has conducted awareness meetings in schools and colleges and educated students about the ill effects of plastics. Trade Unions and Shopkeepers who are the major users of single-use plastics were also brought within the purview. Shops including Malls and Supermarkets were inspected and banned plastics were seized and fines were imposed. Those shops that were repeatedly engaged in using banned plastics were sealed. The GCC also informed the Court that it was exploring options to install cloth bag kiosks in the markets to encourage plastic alternates.

The Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department also informed that they had conducted meetings with Residential Welfare Associations in Tambaram Corporation and apprised them on the need to move to alternate packing materials like paper bags, jute bags etc. Public awareness was conducted and people were asked to inform the Corporation about the presence and availability of single use plastics through the Swachhtha app, Whatsapp number, Toll Free number and E-mail ID.

The Ministry of Environment informed the Court that initiatives were taken by the Central Government on and from Pragati (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) meetings. Draft Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules 2021 have been framed and have been notified. Guidelines were issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India for use of recycled plastic content in food contact applications. The States/Union Territories were requested to constitute a Special Task Force under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary/Administrator for the elimination of single-use plastics and effective implementation of Plastic Water Management Rules. A National Level Task Force was also setup for the same.

The matter will now be taken up on June 13.

Case Title: Tamilnadu Pondyplastic Association v The Government of Tamilnadu and another

Case No: Rev.A 89 of 2019 in W.P No 34065 of 2018

Counsel for Petitioner: E. Veda Bagath Singh, K. Vijayaragavan, M/s. R. Saravanakumar, J. Raja Rao

Counsel for Respondent: S.V Vijay Prash (Special GP Forest)