With India set to impose a nationwide ban on several single-use plastics ranging from bags, cups and straws on Wednesday (October 2), many are cheering the environment-friendly move while some, quintessentially those belonging to the plastic industry, are living in the fear of loss of employment.
In an Independence Day speech on August 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged people and government agencies to “take the first big step” on October 2 towards freeing India of single-use plastic.
However, what is being termed as India’s most sweeping measure yet to stamp out single-use plastics from cities and villages that rank among the world’s most polluted, has left many distressed – especially the small-time plastic manufacturers and street snack sellers who say the ban would deal a blow to their business.
Disposable plastic cup is one of the six items proposed to be banned.
The ban is likely to be imposed on plastic bags, cups, small bottles, straws and some types of sachets.