The Koyambedu Wholesale Market in Chennai, recognized as one of Asia’s largest wholesale flower and vegetable markets, buzzes with activity on a typical busy morning. Truckloads of flowers are unloaded, their vibrant colors wrapped in bright blue plastic. As evening approaches, many commuters pause at roadside stalls to purchase vegetables. One shopper realizes she forgot her carry bag; when she asks the vendor for a plastic cover, he initially declines but then discreetly hands her a flimsy plastic bag from under his cart.
Six years have passed since the Tamil Nadu government implemented a ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) effective January 1, 2019. This ban targets items like carry bags, food wrapping sheets, plastic plates, straws, and pouches to tackle the escalating environmental and health risks from plastic waste. The destructive effects of plastic are evident, clogging waterways, obstructing storm drains, and worsening flooding, while also harming wildlife and contaminating ecosystems. However, a simple walk through any street or market in the state reveals that these banned items remain prevalent.
S. Manickam, a 50-year-old street vendor, struggles to eliminate SUPs from his sales. “I don’t earn much daily, and unsold produce goes to waste,” he states. Similarly, A. Ajmir, a local meat shop owner, laments, “Customers rarely bring their own containers, so I have no choice but to offer them black covers. I limit it to two per customer.” Despite some reduction in plastic consumption by supermarkets and restaurants, these items are still commonplace in everyday life. C. Thiruvettai, president of the Street Vendors Association in Chennai, contends that the prevalent misconception blames street vendors for most plastic waste, when in reality, it largely comes from pre-packaged goods produced by larger corporations.
Highlighting the irony of using cloth bags for products wrapped in plastic, Mr. Thiruvettai notes a significant cultural shift towards modern consumption. In the past, goods were purchased in small quantities from vendors, often wrapped in biodegradable materials. Although the initial years of the ban saw a decline in plastic use, reliance on SUPs among street vendors has risen again due to decreased enforcement by authorities.
Progress Towards a Greener Future
To bolster the ban and promote alternatives, the Tamil Nadu government introduced the Meendum Manjappai campaign on December 23, 2021. This initiative aims to spread awareness about plastic pollution, encourage the use of cloth bags, and enforce the SUP ban. The campaign revitalizes the traditional yellow cloth bag once common for shopping. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has launched vending machines for cloth bags in public areas, partnered with self-help groups to produce bags, and conducted inspections of shops for plastic compliance. However, a study conducted in 2024 revealed that high costs and limited accessibility of alternatives present significant obstacles for both urban and rural communities. Vendors remain dependent on SUPs due to consumer demand.
In Ramanathapuram, an initiative established a ‘plastic checkpoint’ at the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve in June 2023 to address the rising plastic waste in sensitive marine environments. This effort, praised for its visible impact on reducing plastics, includes community involvement, vehicle inspections, and the distribution of eco-friendly cloth bags to tourists for a nominal fee.
Despite ongoing efforts, enforcement of the plastic ban remains inconsistent, particularly in The Nilgiris region. With frequent changes in local administration, the drive for compliance has waned. Experts emphasize the need for a self-sustaining approach and the adoption of comprehensive strategies to bolster awareness and enforcement.
While all plastics are technically recyclable, a substantial portion fails to reach recycling facilities. The dual problem persists with the continued use of plastics and the growing prevalence of pre-packaged food in today’s consumer-driven society. The concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mandates that manufacturers manage the lifecycle of their products. However, researchers cite that companies often exploit loopholes to escape accountability.
Cross-Border Challenges
Official reports indicate that the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has shut down over 240 plastic manufacturing units since the ban was enacted, with many transitioning to eco-friendly alternatives. Nonetheless, TNPCB Chairperson M. Jayanthi acknowledges that addressing the influx of plastics from neighboring states remains a formidable challenge.
Health Secretary Supriya Sahu describes the complexities of enforcing a plastic ban, highlighting that the drastic transformation sought cannot be achieved in a few years. “The battle against plastic waste has spanned decades, making immediate change an unrealistic expectation,” she emphasizes.
Moving forward, experts suggest a shift in focus from merely managing waste to actively reducing plastic production. Mr. Thiruvettai advocates for providing eco-friendly alternatives to street vendors for an extended period to foster behavioral changes among both sellers and consumers.
Madhuvanthi Rajkumar identifies the need to reconsider the entire supply chain of plastics from production to disposal. The responsibility for plastic pollution is not merely on consumers; extensive regulation concerning the manufacture of plastic products is necessary to address the root causes of the issue.
Towards a Sustainable Future
The TNPCB, underlining its commitment beyond merely imposing bans, continues to execute special enforcement initiatives aligned with national mandates. Official documentation reveals ongoing efforts to strengthen regulations by delegating authority across various departments to ensure more effective compliance and encourage eco-friendly practices among businesses.
Additionally, innovative approaches, like designated plastic-free zones in heavily trafficked tourist areas and customer incentives for returning non-recyclable plastic, aim to promote sustainability and reduce plastic reliance in Tamil Nadu. These emerging strategies are expected to contribute significantly to the battle against plastic pollution in the state.
Published – January 05, 2025 12:03 am IST
