Maharashtra makes it mandatory for dairies and milk retailers to repurchase poly packs for recycling 

The Maharashtra government has decided to implement its decision to ban plastic in phases. A major thrust is given on banning single-use plastics; plastic used for packing and packaging products have been kept out of the ban. The jury is still out on plastic containers used by hotels for parcelling food. In addition, the government has now made it mandatory for dairies, milk distributors and retailers to repurchase bottles and poly packs for recycling. Citizens have to pay a certain amount upfront which will later be refunded if the bottle or pouch is returned to the shopkeeper.

Municipal corporation Chandigarh to levy Rs 2000 fine for water wastage from April 15 

Under the annual water conservation drive, the municipal corporation of Chandigarh has decided to levy a fine of Rs 2000 on residents found wasting water. The drive which runs between April 15 and June 30 penalises wasteful use of water which includes watering of lawns as well as washing vehicles using hosepipes. Teams have been constituted to monitor waste use both during the mornings and evenings with a special focus on the northern sectors which are notorious for water wastage.

Tamil Nadu assembly passes resolution demanding Cauvery management board

The Tamil Nadu assembly passed a resolution urging the Centre to set up a Cauvery water management board within six weeks as ordered by the Supreme Court. The House is pressing for the establishment of the board in addition to the Cauvery water regulation committee to help implement the final award effectively. The resolution was moved by the chief minister and adopted by members cutting across party lines. 

No licence renewal for bottled water manufacturers in Kerala without NOC from groundwater authority

Following complaints of bottled water manufacturers functioning without official consent, the Kerala local self-government department has issued strict directions to local bodies across the state to not renew licences of units if they fail to produce no objection certificate (NOC) from the state groundwater authority. The state has been trying to bring packaged water units under the purview of the groundwater authority and this is a step in the right direction.

NGT seeks response from the Centre and the BBCI regarding water wastage during IPL matches

Following a plea seeking to ban the 2018 edition of the Indian Premier League as the matches involved mindless wastage of water, the National Green Tribunal has sought responses from the Centre and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in this regard. Notices have been issued to the Union Ministry of Water Resources, the BCCI and nine states where these matches are proposed to be held. The tournament which is expected to run for 51 days will see lakhs of litres of water being used for preparing pitches for playing 60 matches. 

This is a roundup of important policy matters published between March 13 and 19, 2018. Also, read the news this week.