The state faces a significant challenge with regards to plastic waste, with a substantial amount of 72,045 tonnes per annum generated in 2021-22, marking a 39% increase from the estimated 51,965 tonnes per annum in 2019-20. The state government has implemented policies to address this plastic menace, but their impact on the ground is yet to be observed. Despite the high plastic waste production, Rajasthan performs slightly better than the national average. The per capita plastic waste generation in the state, based on the waste generated in 2021-22, stands at a relatively low 1.3 kg per capita per year, which is below the national average of 2.4 kg per capita per year.
The disposal of plastic waste poses a major challenge as it not only harms the environment but also adversely affects people’s health. Burning plastic waste, a common practice in many areas including waste depots and landfill sites, releases toxic gases such as dioxins, furans, mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, and greenhouse gases into the environment. The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) is collaborating with municipal bodies to redirect plastic waste to cement plants for use as fuel as a means to address this problem.
Naveen Mahajan, the chairperson of the RSPCB, stated that plastic items, particularly single-use plastics, constitute a significant portion of the littered plastic waste found on land and in aquatic environments. Recognizing the substantial environmental costs associated with plastic use, especially its adverse effects on soil, water bodies, and marine ecosystems, the government has banned carry bags and identified various single-use plastic items.
To enforce the ban effectively, the state pollution control board conducts regular field inspections and market surveys in partnership with urban local bodies (ULBs). From July 2022 to April 2023, a total of 110,570 kilograms of plastic have been seized, and defaulters have been fined Rs 67.8 lakh.
The pervasive nature of plastic waste is a cause for concern since plastic is often discarded after single use and, due to its inert properties, persists in the environment. The high consumption of plastics and their short-term usage contribute to high disposal rates. Recognizing the short-term and long-term environmental damage and health risks associated with plastic carry bags, the state government issued a notification on July 21, 2010, prohibiting their use, manufacturing, storage, import, sale, and transportation, which came into effect on August 1, 2010.
From July 1, 2022, the central government has also prohibited the use, manufacturing, storage, import, sale, and transportation of 19 identified single-use plastic items, including ear buds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, polystyrene (thermocol) for decoration, plates, cups, glasses, cutlery (forks, spoons, knives), straws, trays, wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, cigarette packets, and plastic or PVC banners less than 100 microns.
The state has taken measures to support the plastic industry and promote recycling efforts.
