Hyderabad: The Forum for Good Governance (FGG) has urged Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to ban the manufacturing and sale of single-use plastic in the state. The forum highlighted that excessive plastic use is causing serious environmental harm.
FGG President M Padmanabha Reddy mentioned that the central government had asked states to create plans to phase out single-use plastic. Telangana had issued an official order (GO) for this purpose, but it was not effectively implemented. The order made state departments and Panchayat Raj institutions responsible for controlling plastic use.
As per the GO, individuals carrying banned plastic items like banners, cups, spoons, and thin plastic bags (less than 120 microns) could be fined ₹500. However, Reddy questioned how a common person can determine the thickness of the plastic they use. He argued that the order is unrealistic and difficult to enforce since no department or local body has taken action to implement it.
The FGG suggested that instead of penalizing individuals, the government should ban the manufacturing of single-use plastic. The widespread use of plastic, especially in urban and rural areas, has led to pollution. Plastic waste clogs drains, blocks sewage flow, and harms agricultural lands by reducing soil fertility and groundwater recharge. This, in turn, affects food production.
To tackle this issue, Karnataka has already banned the manufacturing, supply, sale, and use of single-use plastic, including thermocol items. Since biodegradable alternatives are available, the FGG believes Telangana should follow Karnataka’s example to protect the environment.
