Hyderabad NGO FGG calls for statewide crackdown on single-use plastics
Hyderabad: The Forum for Good Governance (FGG) has appealed to Telangana Chief Minister Anumula Revanth Reddy to implement a comprehensive ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) across the state, citing severe environmental concerns and challenges with current regulations on Thursday.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Hyderabad based NGO FGG President M. Padmanabha Reddy highlighted that despite the Government Order (G.O. Ms. No. 40) issued in July 2022 following Central Government directives, the state has failed to effectively control SUP usage. Existing regulations, which include Rs. 500 penalties for individuals carrying banned items like plastic banners, flexies, plates, cups, and thin carry bags, have proven impractical and unenforceable.
The letter emphasized that the current situation is concerning in both urban and rural areas, where plastic waste is extensively littered. “Indiscriminate and unregulated use of plastics, particularly SUP, is assuming alarming proportions in the state. Whether it is in urban areas or rural areas, plastic carry bags, plates, tea cups etc. are found littered everywhere which ultimately find their way into storm water drains sewage lines, choking them leading to obstruction of flow of rainwater / sewage,” said Padmanabha Reddy.
Drawing attention to successful initiatives in other states, the FGG referenced Karnataka's ban on SUP manufacturing, supply, storage, transport, and distribution, including thermocol items. The organization noted viable biodegradable alternatives are available.
The Forum criticized the current approach of placing responsibility on multiple government departments and Panchayat Raj institutions. It suggested that targeting manufacture rather than end users would be more effective. The letter questioned the practicality of expecting citizens to identify plastic bags of specific micron thickness.
Forum for Good Governance requests the Chief Minister of Telangana to put a ban on manufacture and marketing of SUP in the state.
