Pollution & Environmental Issues in UP

Major Guidelines of Uttar Pradesh Government on Plastic Waste Management:

The Uttar Pradesh government, in alignment with the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016, has laid down several guidelines to tackle plastic waste.

1. Ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs): Since July 2022, the state has enforced a ban on SUPs like straws, plastic cutlery, and plastic carry bags.
2. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Producers, importers, and brand owners are mandated to take responsibility for collecting plastic waste and ensure proper disposal through authorized channels.
3. Segregation and Recycling: The state promotes the segregation of waste at source, ensuring that plastic waste is separated for recycling.
4. Public Awareness Campaigns: Programs to educate the public on the harmful effects of plastic pollution and encourage alternatives such as cloth bags.

Recent Example: In 2023, the Uttar Pradesh government launched an initiative to reduce plastic waste in the Kumbh Mela by distributing cloth bags and installing plastic waste collection units .