Challenges And Policy Pathways To Tackle Microplastics In India
- IJLLR Journal
- Apr 22
- 1 min read
Deekshant Joshi, Law College Dehradun, Uttaranchal University
Prof. (Dr.) Anil Kumar Dixit, Law College Dehradun, Uttaranchal University
ABSTRACT
Microplastics emerged as omnipresent and long-lasting environmental contaminants and place extremely dangerous effects on the ecological system, the well-being of people, as well as the opportunities of sustainable development. The science on the issue paints a clear picture of a widespread microplastic pollution in the aquatic ecosystem, terrestrial soil, atmospheric matrix, and the human food supply system; still, the legal and policy structure is inadequate and fragmented in the Indian context. This paper attempts a critical evaluation of regulatory challenges that faces microplastic pollution in India, focusing on gaps of statutory acknowledgements, regulations, and enforcement procedures of the scopes of the existing environmental laws. It also questions the socio-economic and general health consequences of uninhibited microplastic growth, especially the susceptible demographic groups and ecological components. Using the examples of global policy frameworks and changing the global environmental standards, the article offers specific policy interventions to India, such as reinforcement of the precautionary principle, introduction of extended producer responsibility, introduction of specific monitoring benchmarks, and encouragement of the innovational-based policy reactions. It argues that a comprehensive, evidence based and rights based legal paradigm cannot be ignored in order to deal successfully with the mounting crisis of microplastics in the country.
Keywords: Microplastics; Environmental Rule; Plastic Waste; Precautionary Principle; Public Health.
