Bhubaneswar, June 25 (UDN): The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has issued a strong advisory urging strict enforcement of the ban on single-use plastic (SUP) items across the state, citing continued violations despite a nationwide prohibition in force since July 1, 2022.
In a notification dated June 23, 2026, the Board reiterated that the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of identified single-use plastic items are prohibited under the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021.
OSPCB noted that despite earlier advisories issued in 2022 and 2023, banned plastic items are still being found in markets. The prohibited items include plastic cutlery, straws, plates, cups, thermocol products, plastic sticks, balloons sticks, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, and PVC banners below prescribed thickness, among others.
The advisory also covers restrictions on thin plastic carry bags and non-woven bags below specified standards. Retailers and vendors have been directed not to stock or sell any banned items and to avoid using them for packaging, serving, or storage purposes.
The Board warned that violations will attract penalties under local body regulations and may lead to fines of up to ₹1 lakh under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Waste generators, including the general public, have been advised to reduce plastic usage, avoid littering, segregate waste at source, and hand it over to authorised agencies. Institutions, hotels, restaurants, event organisers, and other establishments have been asked to ensure proper waste segregation and disposal systems.
OSPCB has also encouraged the use of eco-friendly alternatives such as cloth and jute bags, reusable containers, metal cutlery, and biodegradable packaging materials.
The Board appealed to citizens and stakeholders to support the initiative and work collectively towards a “SUP-free Odisha” for a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
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