Action Plan made to phase out single-use plastics; ban on carry bags, flex etc in Assam from 31 Dec, 2022

Feb. 10: In the weekly Assam Cabinet on 10 february, several key decisions including fixing speed limits to reduce accidents among others were taken. The Cabinet Meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma. 

Ending Single-use Plastic Menace:

► Comprehensive Action Plan:

• Following a clarion call given by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Cabinet approved a Comprehensive Action Plan to eliminate single-use plastics
• It also laid down a plan for development of alternatives and scientific disposal of plastic wastes
• Departments of Revenue & Disaster Management, Industries & Commerce, Science & Technology, Urban Development and Environment & Forest will together prepare a roadmap in this regard.

►What the Plan seeks to ban:

• Plastic carry-bags less than 75 microns in thickness with effect from September 30, 2021 and carry-bags less than 120 microns in thickness with effect from December 31, 2022
• Earbuds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, polystyrene (thermocol) used for decoration
• Plates, cups, glasses, cutlery like forks, spoons, knives, straw, trays, wrapping or packaging films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100 micron, stirrers.