Government targets completion of infrastructure in plastic parks by 2025

The Government of India has set an ambitious target for completing the physical infrastructure of all nine plastic parks by the end of 2025, according to the Chemicals and Petrochemicals Secretary.

The parks, part of the ambitious Plastic Parks Scheme launched in 2013, aim to attract both domestic and foreign investments, while boosting production, exports, and the overall plastic processing ecosystem in India.

Currently, there are a total of 10 plastic parks approved under the scheme, with the government providing funding up to 50% of the project cost, capped at Rs 40 crore per park. However, due to a stay order from the National Green Tribunal on one of the parks in Tamil Nadu, work has slowed in that particular area. Despite this, the remaining parks have made progress in terms of infrastructure development, with three to four parks—such as those in Tamot (Madhya Pradesh), Paradeep (Odisha), and Tinsukia (Assam)—already partially operational.

The key challenge, according to the Secretary, is the slow pace of operationalisation, particularly due to issues related to land acquisition and coordination with state governments. The government, however, has been pushing for accelerated development in recent years, and substantial progress has been made in the last one-and-a-half years. The parks are designed to create an ecosystem conducive to plastic processing, promote sustainable practices, and ensure equitable development by providing employment opportunities.

The plastic parks are expected to play a pivotal role in addressing India’s growing demand for plastic products while ensuring that environmental concerns are considered. The government’s push for completion is also driven by a growing global demand for plastic products, particularly in the construction, packaging, and automotive sectors. However, operationalising the parks has proven to be more complex than anticipated due to the need for strong coordination between the Centre and state governments. The scheme has faced hurdles like land acquisition delays, but the government remains optimistic about completing infrastructure work on time.

The parks are expected to generate significant employment opportunities, while contributing to both domestic economic growth and the country’s export capabilities. With production capacity and efficiency increasing, India aims to position itself as a leader in the plastic processing industry while simultaneously addressing environmental concerns by promoting eco-friendly plastic alternatives in these parks.

The plastic parks are set to boost the local economies by creating a competitive environment that attracts global players in the plastic industry. However, a successful rollout of these parks hinges on overcoming local and operational challenges, particularly the completion of infrastructure and alignment with environmental standards. The government’s focus on resolving land acquisition issues and expediting coordination with state authorities suggests that India is committed to positioning its plastic processing industry as both a national and global player.

Despite the obstacles, the government remains confident that the target of completing the physical infrastructure by the end of 2025 will be met. The completion of these parks will play a crucial role in transforming India’s plastic industry into a more efficient, sustainable, and export-driven sector.

Government targets completion of infrastructure in plastic parks by 2025