Non-implementation of EPR adds to the manufacturers’ confusion

After serving closure notices to the plastic manufacturers in the State, the manufacturers demanded that the State government withdraw these notices as they have complied with its directive to submit buyback plans or Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR). As of now, neither have the units opened up nor has the EPR been implemented.

Around 260 plastic manufacturing units in the state were served with closure notices, for running without Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) permission, manufacturing banned items and failing to submit the EPR plans for collection and recycling of plastic waste. 

Out of these 260 units, 94 are in Pune district while the rest are in Mumbai, Palghar and Thane.

Sameer Joshi, a member of CM’s Plastic Task Force, said, “Most of the units have submitted EPR plans, which have yet to be approved. EPR plans require approval from the empowered committee headed by the environment minister. Apparently, the meeting of the committee is yet to be held.”
 
Ravi Jashnani, President of Maharashtra Plastic Manufacturers Association, said, “All units of the state have already submitted the EPR plan, but the government is not showing any positive steps towards its implementation. 

They are avoiding taking any concrete steps on providing EPR plans, as they are themselves unaware of the EPR mechanism. As a result of this, all units and its workers are getting affected.”