GS Paper 3
Syllabus: Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation
Source: DTE
Context: Microplastic pollution – a significant environmental problem, has not attracted much attention in India.
Microplastics:
- These are tiny plastic particles (less than 5 mm long) that result from both commercial product development (microbeads in personal care products, synthetic fibres from clothing, etc) and the breakdown of larger plastics.
- They are found everywhere, from terrestrial ecosystems to freshwater rivers, lakes, ponds, estuaries, seas and oceans, even in Antarctica.
Threats posed by microplastics:
- Microplastics are not only toxic for the ecosystems but also act as vectors to transport other toxic chemicals in the aquatic ecosystems.
- As a pollutant, microplastics are a significant environmental problem and pose risks to marine life, terrestrial organisms and human health.
- As a result, many scientists are using a new historical epoch – Plasticene, due to the global distribution and abundance of microplastics.
Factors contributing to microplastic pollution in India:
- Rapid industrialisation, urbanisation and population growth have led to increased plastic consumption and waste generation.
- Inadequate waste management systems, including limited recycling infrastructure and improper disposal practices. For example,
- Municipal areas in India generate 133,760 metric tonnes per day (TPD) of municipal solid waste (MSW).
- Of which only 91,152 TPD waste is collected and 25,884 TPD treated.
- Of which only 9,250 TPD plastic waste is recycled.
- The vast coastline and numerous rivers make it susceptible to the transport of microplastics from inland areas to the marine environment.
Challenges India is facing:
- Most populous country in the world with a population of 1.42 billion → Demand for water is rising.
- Access to water plays a critical role in all 17 SDGs either directly or indirectly.
- Misuse, poor management and contamination of freshwater systems have amplified the water stress.
- Thus, achieving SDGs by 2030 is a mammoth task amid microplastic pollution.
Some SDGs that have direct and intricate relations with water:
- SDG 2: Zero hunger
- SDG 3: Good health and well-being
- SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation
- SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy
- SDG 14: Life below water
- SDG 15: Life on land
Steps taken in India:
- The Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules 2021 prohibited single-use plastic items by the end of 2022.
- The permissible thickness of plastic carry bags was increased from 50 to 75 microns and then 120 microns from December 31, 2022.
- Several nonprofits and civil society organisations (Bengaluru-based Saahas) are actively working to tackle the issue through research, advocacy and community engagement.
Way ahead:
- Focus on the key targets of SDG 6:
- Achieving universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
- Improve water quality by reducing pollution and increasing water treatment.
- Increase water-use efficiency in all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater.
- Implement integrated water resources management to support the sustainable use of water resources.
- Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes.
- India should focus on improving waste management infrastructure, promoting recycling and responsible consumption and raising awareness among the public and industries.
- It is essential to implement stricter regulations, enhance monitoring and research on microplastics and promote sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.
Conclusion: It is important to note that managing microplastics is a complex task that requires a comprehensive approach involving government agencies, industries, communities and individuals working together to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment.
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