Notification for Manipur Plastic Policy-2022 issued
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 22 2022:
Consequent to the state cabinet's decision taken on May 18 this year to ban single use plastic in the state, the department of forest, environment & climate change has framed 'Manipur Plastic Policy 2022' and issued notification in this regard on June 20.As per the policy, anyone found using single uSe plastic could be awarded penalty up to five years jail and Rs 1 lakh in fine under Section 15 of Environment Protection Act, 1986.According to the notification issued by Department of Forest, Environment & Climate Change, relevant departments should begin works with immediate effect as action plan to implement the policy.
Penalties against violators of the policy include up to five years in jail and Rs 1 lakh in fine and additional fine of Rs 5,000 per day if the violator could not pay the imposed fine and continue to violate the restriction further.
In case a guilty person could not pay the fine within one year of conviction, the conviction period could be extended to seven years, the policy mentioned.
It also states that agencies and departments involved in road construction should use plastic waste approved by Indian Road Congress and relevant departments like works department and Rural Development & Panchyati Raj should issue orders for use of plastic in conformity with IRC guidelines.
It also mentions that local bodies should look after plas tic waste management and seek help from district magistrate or deputy commissioner for proper implementation of the policy in their jurisdiction.
The policy envisages collective efforts in chalking out programmes among users and stakeholders producing plastics to prevent plastic pollution in the state and it also has programmes for providing jobs and income generation through collection, re-use and recycling.
The policy also has plastic waste segregation, identification of agency for plastic waste in every district, establishment of collection point or centre, opening of recycling centre or unit and recycle of plastic waste.
Apart from this, the policy has complete ban on sale, use and carrying of plastic as also creating awareness to local bodies for proper implementation of plastic waste management rules.