Correct Option
The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Plastic pollution is a critical environmental issue governed in India by the Plastic Waste Management Rules. These rules aim to minimize the generation of plastic waste, promote recycling, and phase out single-use plastics that pose significant ecological risks.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The Government of India, through the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, prohibited the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of identified single-use plastic items (such as earbuds with plastic sticks, plastic flags, candy sticks, etc.) effective from July 1, 2022. These items were targeted due to their low utility and high littering potential.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Excessive use of plastics has severe negative impacts on the environment. Plastics are generally non-biodegradable and persist in ecosystems for hundreds of years. They break down into microplastics that contaminate water bodies and soil, enter the food chain, and release toxic chemicals that harm wildlife and human health.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Many types of plastics, particularly thermoplastics like Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), can be recycled. Recycled plastics are used to manufacture various products, including polyester fabric, park benches, and construction materials, or utilized in laying roads.
Key Takeaway: India has implemented a ban on specific single-use plastic items to curb pollution, as plastics are persistent environmental pollutants, although certain types remain recyclable for secondary applications.