POLLUTION

Assam Government to Ban PET Water Bottles Under 1 Litre and Single-Use Plastic From October 2, 2023

Representational Image. (Pexels/Via Canva; BCCL) — Representational Image.
(Pexels/Via Canva; BCCL)

Starting October 2 this year, the Assam government will outlaw the manufacture and use of PET drinking water bottles that are less than 1 litre in capacity. Moreover, Assam will outlaw single-use plastic starting on October 2.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state cabinet has approved the prohibition of PET drinking water bottles under 1 litre and strict implementation of the single-use plastic ban as per the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021. The ban will take effect from October 2 this year, with a 3-month transition period provided.

Additionally, from October 2 next year, the use of PET drinking water bottles under 2 litres will also be banned.

The state cabinet also approved decisions, including the administration for Phase I of the "Climate Resilient Brahmaputra Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Project." The project aims to conduct flood and riverbank erosion risk management operations in various districts.

Furthermore, the state cabinet decided to distribute four 9-watt LED bulbs to approximately 50 lakh low-income households in Assam under a special initiative.

The process for appointing retired officers as inquiry officers to undertake departmental inquiries has also been approved. The disciplinary body will receive inquiry reports from retired officials, not below the rank of Joint Secretary or equivalent and who are 70 years of age or older.

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The above article has been published from a wire source with minimal modifications to the headline and text.

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