Facing the challenge of generating a staggering 1,000 tonnes of plastic waste daily, the West Bengal government is stepping up its efforts to combat plastic pollution, with a strong emphasis on eliminating single-use plastics (SUPs) across the state. Initiatives range from installing cloth bag vending machines to imposing complete bans in ecologically sensitive and newly developed tourist destinations.
On World Environment Day, Additional Chief Secretary (Department of Environment) Roshini Sen reiterated plans to install subsidized cloth bag vending machines in market areas. “One can take a cloth bag in exchange for a small amount of money. These bags are highly subsidized and can be used multiple times,” she stated.
The government has already successfully declared the Gangasagar Mela a “full plastic-free mela” and has completely banned plastic bags in ecologically sensitive tourist places like the Sundarbans. Furthermore, plastic is entirely prohibited at the recently inaugurated Digha Jagannath Dham.
“Our aim is to stop Single Use Plastic (SUP) completely,” she said, adding that civic bodies have the directive to impose fines for non-compliance, and the department can “be a little strict” when necessary.
Annually, the state produces 330,000 tonnes of plastic waste, with Kolkata municipal areas alone contributing 400 tonnes per day.
“If we really recycle it well, the same waste can be turned into wealth,” Sen added.
The state has registered 30 plastic waste processing units, including facilities in Digha and Dhapa. The ongoing efforts are being conducted under the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution,” with a specific focus on “Plastic Waste and Endangered Ecosystem.”
State Environment Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, addressing school students, called for their participation in stopping plastic use to save the environment. “It is important to move ahead and accept modernity, but we must also be cautious of what we are passing on to our next generation. So, be responsible citizens,” she urged.
Kalyan Rudra, chairman of the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB), highlighted the pervasive nature of plastic pollution. He explained that burning plastic below a specific temperature emits harmful gases and cited alarming research findings: 428 plastic particulates are found in every kilogram of dry sediment in the Hooghly River, and the atmosphere contains approximately 5,700 microplastics per cubic meter around each person.