Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav Links Plastic Bags to Waterlogging, Calls for Local Governance Action

News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/30th June 2024

At the Times Network’s India Climate Summit, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted the significant role plastic bags play in causing waterlogging. He emphasized the urgent need for local governance to address this issue effectively.

When questioned about the recent waterlogging in Delhi following heavy rains, Yadav pointed to local governance issues as a primary factor. He stated, “This is an issue of local governance. We have spoken with the Delhi government and banned plastic. We are also conducting raids to regulate it. In Delhi, people have witnessed industrial mishap and there are industries in Delhi where plastic sheets are being manufactured. I have highlighted the same with Delhi government’s Industrial Department and asked them to shut it down.”

Yadav also stressed the need for individual responsibility in reducing plastic use. “Whenever we are buying a flower vase, please ask the seller to not use plastic to wrap it. We have to bring sensitisation in personal behaviour. Plastic bag is the primary reason for waterlogging. We have to personally ensure that and also on the level of local governance,” he added.

The India Climate Summit, organized by Times Network, was held on June 28, focusing on the critical issue of climate change and its impact on civilization. The summit aimed to draw attention to the urgent need for action, uniting stakeholders in a common agenda to foster a sustainable nation.

India is experiencing a faster warming rate than the global average, with rising temperatures, heatwave fatalities, reduced food production, prolonged summers, water disputes, and mass migrations becoming increasingly common. This highlights the necessity for decisive and immediate action to combat climate change.

The summit served as a platform for discussing these pressing issues and exploring solutions to mitigate their effects. Stakeholders from various sectors were brought together to address the challenges posed by climate change and to work towards a sustainable future for India.

Bhupender Yadav’s remarks underscored the critical role that both local governance and individual actions play in addressing environmental issues. By banning plastic bags and regulating their use through raids, the government aims to reduce waterlogging and its associated problems. However, the Minister also highlighted that individual responsibility is crucial in achieving this goal.

The emphasis on personal behavior change, such as avoiding plastic-wrapped products, aligns with broader efforts to reduce plastic waste and its environmental impact. By encouraging consumers to make more environmentally friendly choices, the government hopes to create a culture of sustainability that complements regulatory measures.

The India Climate Summit underscored the importance of a collective approach to tackling climate change. With the country facing severe consequences of global warming, it is essential for both the government and the public to work together in implementing sustainable practices and policies.

In conclusion, Bhupender Yadav’s address at the India Climate Summit highlighted the urgent need for both local governance and individual action in combating the environmental issues caused by plastic bags. The summit served as a call to action, emphasizing the critical role of sustainability in ensuring a resilient future for India. By addressing the root causes of waterlogging and promoting responsible behavior, India can take significant steps towards mitigating the impacts of climate change and fostering a sustainable nation.