Why in News?
Despite banning single‑use plastic (SUP) in 2016, Karnataka continues to struggle with widespread usage. Investigations in 2025 exposed illegal manufacturing units and lax enforcement, prompting calls for renewed action.
Background and Context
- Karnataka was the first Indian state to prohibit SUP items such as carry bags, straws and cutlery under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986.
- The national ban on 19 categories of SUP came into effect in 2022.
- However, inspections of over 1.6 lakh establishments between 2021 and 2024 seized more than 1,000 tonnes of banned plastics, after which enforcement declined dramatically.
Data and Trends
- Plastic waste generation: Karnataka produces between 3.5 and 5.3 lakh tonnes of plastic waste annually, roughly 1,000 tonnes every day.
- Bengaluru’s challenge: The city generates around 500 tonnes of SUP waste daily; only about 40 % is processed, with the remainder ending up in landfills and water bodies.
- Illegal manufacturing: Over 300 unregistered units operate in industrial areas, producing cheap plastic bags by using low‑grade granules.
Environmental and Health Hazards
- Microplastics: Discarded plastics break down into tiny particles that contaminate soil, crops and water, entering the food chain.
- Human health: Microplastics have been linked to inflammation, hormonal disruption, respiratory problems and thyroid issues.
- Wildlife: Livestock and stray animals often ingest plastic, causing fatal blockages and organ damage.
- Marine pollution: The United Nations estimates that 2,000 truckloads of plastic enter oceans every day, contributing to giant garbage patches.
Policy Framework
- Environment (Protection) Act 1986: Empowers the state to ban hazardous materials.
- Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016: Introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), requiring manufacturers to collect and recycle their products. Enforcement remains weak, with just a fraction of producers and importers registered.
Challenges in Implementation
- Enforcement gaps: Raids fell from 1.25 lakh in 2022–23 to 18,000 in 2024–25 due to inadequate staff and resources.
- Shadow economy: Illegal units thrive in industrial pockets, encouraged by cheap raw materials and high profit margins.
- Consumer behaviour: Many people remain unaware of the ban or find plastic convenient and affordable.
- Recycling infrastructure: Capacity exists but is under‑utilised because waste segregation at source is poor.
Way Forward
- Strengthen enforcement: Create dedicated task forces, equip inspectors with GPS‑enabled tools and increase manpower in pollution control boards.
- Promote alternatives: Subsidise cloth and jute bags and biodegradable cutlery; rationalise taxes on eco‑friendly products.
- Public awareness: Conduct mass campaigns through schools, resident associations and markets to change consumer behaviour.
- Systemic solutions: Encourage a circular economy by implementing EPR obligations, supporting recycling industries and improving segregation at source.
Conclusion: The ban is only as effective as its enforcement and public acceptance. A combination of strict monitoring and behavioural change is needed to rid Karnataka of single‑use plastic pollution.