developed countries are routinely dumping tonnes of plastic waste into India, according to environmental group, No Plastics in the Environment (NoPE). The import data compiled by the Union government shows that more than 59,000 and 61,000 tonnes of plastic waste came into India in 1999 and 2000 respectively.
Representatives of Mumbai Medwaste Action Group, a part of NoPE, say that the countries involved in unauthorised dumping include Germany, Japan, the US and UK. NGOs believe that the plastic waste problem is getting aggravated as highly polluting incineration is being propounded as the solution to get rid of the waste. While calling for an immediate ban on plastic waste import, NoPE has recommended reduction in consumption of plastic as the long-term solution. It has suggested enforcement of 'polluter pays' principle in dealing with manufacturers and has also said that PVC should be phased out entirely.
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