Shimla: As the world is facing environment-related issues, Himachal Pradesh is taking significant steps towards the management of plastic waste in the state.
In the recently concluded Global Investors' Meet, 2019 held in Dharamshala, an exhibition on plastic waste management was organised by the Department of Environment, Science and Technology.
Ever since the passing of the Himachal Pradesh Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995; the state has been working towards the regulation of plastic waste. Himachal Pradesh was the first state in the country to ban the use of plastic bags in 2009.
Director of the Department of Environment Science and Technology D.C. Rana said, "Himachal Pradesh has been emerging as the leader in plastic waste management. Under the Corporate Environment Responsibility Programme to promote the ‘pattal’ plates (plates made of dried leaves), the bio-degradable cutlery-making machines are being given to the people associated with this business."
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Himachal Pradesh announced a ban on the use of plastic bottles at public functions and government offices in a bid to beat plastic pollution on June 5.
Incidentally for scientific waste disposal, around 10,000 tons of plastic waste was sent to cement factories to be used as 'alternative fuel'.
Recently, the state government issued a notification banning thermocol cutlery, including cups, plates, glasses, and spoons or any other item.
This comes a month after the launch of the “Plastic Hatao Himachal Bachao” campaign.
“The ban will be made effective after 3 months so that the stockiest and shopkeepers can dispose of their stocks,” Rana told.
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