To stop the production, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of identified single-use plastic (SUP) items, the following guidelines have been issued to all producers, stockists, retailers, shopkeepers, e-commerce companies, street vendors, commercial establishments (malls, marketplaces, shopping centers, movie theaters, tourist destinations, schools, colleges, office complexes, hospitals, and other institutions), and the general public: As per Rule 4(2) of the PWM Rules, 2016 (as amended), “The manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of the following single-use plastic (SUP) items, including polystyrene and expanded polystyrene commodities, have been prohibited.”
Additionally, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration’s Notification No. 186, dated 05.09.2019, prohibits the production, storage, use, import, transit, distribution, and sale of the following single-use plastic products in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands: 1) PET bottles with a volume of less than two liters for water and drinks, including alcohol. 2) Cigarette lighters with plastic bodies. 3) Sachets containing less than 15 ml (or comparable in weight) of mouth fresheners, pickles, jams, sauces, spices, condiments, shampoo, conditioners, and other personal care products. 4) Disposable pens with a single-use plastic body. 5) Transparent, colored, or layered plastic sheets or pouches that are used to package bubble wrap, cooked food, water, and other gifts.
Furthermore, the use, production, and distribution of plastic carry bags—regardless of their thickness, size, color, or type—are forbidden throughout the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by Notification No. 225, which was issued on September 24, 2019. Additionally, it is completely forbidden to sell or show single-use plastic items on e-commerce websites. The public and all relevant organizations have been urged to follow these guidelines. If non-compliance is discovered, it can be brought to the attention of the Andaman and Nicobar Pollution Control Committee (ANPCC) Member Secretary so that appropriate action can be taken.
