The National Green Tribunal created a committee to study the effects of microplastics on the environment and has directed it to do so.
Justice A K Goel, NGT Chairperson, said that violation of environmental norms in plastic handling is causing serious adverse effects on human health.
“It appears that it is necessary to ensure strict compliance with environmental norms and to undergo further study to determine whether the existing policies of enforcement need to be revisited any way in the interests of human health,” the bench which also includes Justices Sudhir Agarwal & Pushpa Sathyanarayana stated.
Microplastics can be any type or fragment of plastic less that five millimetres. They enter natural ecosystems from a variety sources, including cosmetics and industrial processes.
According to the green panel officials from the Central Pollution Control Board (CIPET), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICR), Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology(CIPET), National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSM) and other institutions would be part of the committee.
“These studies and recommendations/ suggestions can cover standards for safe environments, remedial steps in order to reduce the menace from microplastic, and other incidental issues. CPCB might have to spend Environmental Compensation funds on studies and other incidents.
“The report of study with suggestions for remedial measures may be filed before the Tribunal by e mail by August 31, 2022…MoEF&CC could file its action taken reports in the matter prior to the next date by email,” the bench stated.
After receiving a media report that small particles of plastics were entering the bloodstream through food, the tribunal issued an order.