By 2022, India vows to stop single-use plastics

NEW DELHI: India on the occasion of the World Environment Day on Tuesday pledged to eliminate all single-use plastics (items like carry bags, straws and water bottles among others) from the country by 2022 — the year which coincides with 75 years of the country's independence.


"We make a solemn pledge that we will eliminate all single-use plastics from our country," said Union environment minister Harsh Vardhan while referring to PM Modi's idea of 'New India' by 2022.


"This India of our dreams (New India) will be single-use plastic free," said Vardhan amid applause from the gathering here at Vigyan Bhawan where the PM later emphasised on India's commitment towards protecting environment.

Being the global host of this year's World Environment Day, India's announcement to end use of single-use plastic in next four years is expected to send a strong message to the global community which is already threatened by the plastic menace due to its impact on marine ecosystems, water bodies and soils.

"Plastic threatens to become a menace to humanity. A lot of it never makes it to the recycling bin. Worse, a lot of it is non-biodegradable. India is preparing to join the 'Clean Seas Campaign' and make its contribution towards saving our oceans," said Modi.

The annual average per capita consumption of plastic in India is at 11 kg as against global average of 28 kg.