Can India Beat Plastic Pollution ?

When we were school going children, we often wrote article about "The India of my Dreams", but that India we dreamed of was never the one, who is one of the world's most polluted countries.I felt ashamed to hear that India was criticized by United Nations Environment Head for being unable to tackle their(India) own pollution problem. India was the global host of this year's WED on June 5 having 'Beat Plastic Pollution' as its central theme.

Animals like dogs, cattle and fishes mostly end up consuming plastic waste

India is estimated to create 62 million of solid waste out of which only 12 million is treated. Plastics are lightweight, versatile and durable but in spite of their abundant presence and critical role in many of our technological advancement – from automobiles and computers to medical usage – they are now seen as a threat to environment, animals, marine life and future generations of humans.

Cheap and easy availability of plastic carry-bags have hampered all the measures of the government. Plastic bags can be seen everywhere around us, on roads, in sewer, near a river bank,bus-stand etc. affecting people living around them. It is estimated that around 0.60 million tonnes of plastic waste out of 5.6 million tonnes end up in seas annually in India, which is quite a large sum.

Though number of steps have been taken by the government to curb this problem. "The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan" that aimed at making India clean has already shown some significant effects. A number of states have banned the used of poly-bags and insisted people to use jute/cloth bags instead of plastic bags.

Poor condition of the river we consider as mother (The Ganga)

Many of the states have declared that its only a matter of time when they will declare themselves plastic free.

The government should find better ways to not only educate people about using plastic material, but also practically increase the

affordability and ease of availability of alternatives(such as jute/cloth bags).The scientists are finding ways to eradicate the "necessary evil" and finding better and efficient alternate products.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and help your country in making it clean

It is the duty of us, as citizens to not only recycle our non-biodegradable products, but also to reduce the usage of such things.Unless each and every citizen realize the seriousness and avoids usage of plastics, no government efforts will succeed. It is for us citizens to stop using plastic carry bags and use reusable cloth bags.