Bihar’s New Initiative: Plastic-for-Coupon Program

Learning from Goa’s Success

Patna: Bihar is set to explore a new ‘plastic-for-coupon or cash’ initiative. This suggestion comes from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The idea is inspired by a successful model in Goa.

Key Points from the Seminar

Tanmay Kumar, the ministry’s secretary, introduced this proposal. He spoke at a seminar titled ‘Ending plastic pollution: The road ahead’. The event was organized by Bihar’s department of environment, forest, and climate change.

• Kumar suggested that local urban bodies could lead this initiative.
• He commended Bihar’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. This campaign resulted in planting 4.42 crore saplings, exceeding the target by 42 lakh.

Health Risks of Plastic Pollution

Naresh Pal Gangwar, an additional secretary of the ministry, discussed the health impacts of plastic pollution. He noted that the central government has banned certain plastic products. These are products for which good alternatives exist.

Gangwar encouraged states to collaborate and strengthen their systems. He stated, “The central government has already banned those plastic products for which viable alternatives exist.”

Bihar’s Actions and Concerns

Harjot Kaur Bamhrah, additional chief secretary of the state environment department, spoke at the opening session. She highlighted the dangers of single-use plastic.

Bamhrah said, “The state government has taken firm steps. These include restrictions on production, storage, import, transport, sale, and use of single-use plastics where alternatives are available.”

• She emphasized the need to eliminate non-essential and non-biodegradable plastics.
• She assured that the state would continue to work with the central government on plastic management.

Insights from Technical Sessions

The seminar included technical sessions with presentations on:

• Plastic waste management in Bihar’s urban local bodies by the department of urban development and housing.
• Legal framework for phasing out single-use plastic by the Bihar State Pollution Control Board.
• Methods, challenges, and opportunities for plastic waste management by Patna Municipal Corporation.

The Need for Teamwork

Prabhat Kumar Gupta, the principal chief conservator of forests, discussed the challenges posed by single-use plastic. He stressed the urgent need for collective action.

D K Shukla, chairman of the Bihar State Pollution Control Board, spoke about the severe environmental impacts of plastic waste. He emphasized that making users accountable is crucial for effective management.