CPCB seizes 46 tonnes SUP and imposes 41 lakh fine on defaulters

New Delhi: In a special drive against the single use plastic , the Central Pollution Control Board has seized about 46 tonnes of SUP items and a fine of Rs. 41 lakhs imposed by the concerned authorities.

The drive was carried out after the center had issued notification, banning production, sale, stocking ,distribution, import and usage of identified Single Use Plastic (SUP) items since July 1st 2022.

In a statement, the Ministry said, “an attempt has been made to break the supply chain of SUP items in the market through backtracking”.

“Retailers, wholesalers and factories engaged in manufacturing SUP items have been traced and huge cache of the banned items seized during the inspections” it said.

Checks are also being carried out at interstate borders to prevent interstate transportation of banned SUP items. CPCB said, it plans to further intensify the inspection in the coming days for elimination of SUP from all section of the economy.

CPCB started a special drive from October 17, 2022, and more than 50 teams have been deployed for conducting inspections for restricting usage of SUP items.

A total of 20036 inspections including 6448 inspections by CPCB teams have been carried out during October 17-19, 2022.

Over 4000 violations were observed and 2900 challans have been issued to the defaulters, informed the Ministry.

In order to ensure its implementation Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had earlier issued comprehensive directions to State Pollution Control Board (SPCBs), Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) and other stakeholders.