FGG Pushes for Telangana-Wide Ban on Single-Use Plastics
The Forum for Good Governance (FGG) has intensified calls for an outright ban on the manufacturing and distribution of single-use plastics in Telangana, urging Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to take decisive action. Highlighting the mounting environmental hazards, FGG President M. Padmanabha Reddy stressed that existing regulations have failed to curb plastic pollution effectively. The organisation pointed out that while the Central Government had directed states to implement stringent measures against single-use plastics (SUPs), enforcement in Telangana has remained weak. The FGG asserts that piecemeal penalties on individual users, such as the Rs 500 fine for carrying banned plastic items, are unrealistic and ineffective. Instead, it proposes a blanket ban on production to address the problem at its root.
A failing regulatory framework and civic challenges
Despite a government order (GO) that entrusted multiple state departments and panchayat institutions with controlling plastic use, enforcement has been largely absent. Citizens continue to use plastic carry bags, plates, cups, and cutlery due to a lack of awareness and feasible alternatives. The FGG criticised the impracticality of expecting ordinary people to differentiate between permitted plastic bags and those under 120 microns in thickness. Moreover, local bodies have not actively enforced the law, allowing plastic waste to proliferate. The widespread use of SUPs, particularly in urban areas, has led to severe civic issues, including clogged drains and waterlogging during monsoons, exacerbating the challenges of urban waste management.
Sustainability and long-term environmental impact
Single-use plastics have long been recognised as a significant threat to the environment, with their non-biodegradable nature leading to soil and water contamination. Discarded plastic waste blocks stormwater drains, contaminates agricultural lands, and disrupts groundwater recharge. The unchecked accumulation of plastic waste has directly contributed to soil infertility, ultimately affecting agricultural productivity. Comparisons with Karnataka, which has successfully implemented a state-wide ban on the manufacture, supply, and use of single-use plastics, show that more aggressive measures can yield tangible results. By adopting a similar approach, Telangana can not only protect its environment but also lead the way in sustainable urban governance.
A path forward: Holistic waste management solutions
For Telangana to effectively combat plastic pollution, an integrated waste management strategy must be developed. While banning manufacturing is a crucial step, it must be complemented by robust recycling infrastructure, public awareness campaigns, and incentives for biodegradable alternatives. The government must collaborate with industries to develop eco-friendly substitutes and establish extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies, ensuring manufacturers take accountability for plastic waste disposal. With global momentum shifting towards sustainability, Telangana has an opportunity to set an example by enforcing a comprehensive and realistic plastic waste policy that balances environmental protection with economic feasibility.
