The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) urged strict compliance with the nationwide ban on single-use plastics, highlighting continued violations across markets and public spaces.
In its June 23 notification, the Board reminded stakeholders that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change prohibited the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of identified single-use plastic items under the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021. Despite earlier notices in 2022 and 2023, violations persist.
The banned items include ear buds with plastic sticks, balloon sticks, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, and thermocol decorations. Plates, cups, glasses, cutlery, straws, trays, wrapping films, invitation cards, cigarette packets, and PVC banners under 100 microns also remain prohibited.
Retailers and vendors must not sell or stock these items, while waste generators must segregate waste at source and hand it over to local bodies. Violations may attract fines up to one lakh rupees under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Institutions, hotels, restaurants, and event organisers must provide adequate dustbins and ensure proper segregation of waste. Citizens have been urged to adopt eco-friendly alternatives such as cloth or jute bags, reusable bottles, and cutlery made of palm leaves, fibre, steel, or brass.
The advisory concluded with a pledge for a SUP-free environment, reinforcing Odisha’s commitment to reducing plastic pollution.
