The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has heard a suo motu application related to the large-scale evasion of plastic waste disposal norms under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system and the extent to which plastic waste generating firms are evading the system.
The NGT has impleaded several respondents, including the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and various state governments.
The CPCB has filed a reply stating that it has taken several actions to ensure compliance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
These actions include issuing guidelines for the registration of producers, importers, and brand owners, and issuing show-cause notices to non-compliant entities.
The CPCB has also prepared guidelines for the assessment of environmental compensation for violation of the Plastic Waste Management Rules.
The Principal Bench, comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, and Dr. A. Senthil Vel, Expert Member, has directed the CPCB to file a further report disclosing the steps taken to fill up the gaps and loopholes in the EPR regime.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on April 15, 2025.