NGT asks CPCB to explain coercive steps taken against Amazon, Flipkart on plastic waste

National Green Tribunal has directed Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to inform it about coercive steps taken against e-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart for n-compliance of plastic waste manment rules.

A bench heed by NGT Chairperson Justice arsh Kumar Goel said report filed by apex pollution monitoring body does t mention coercive steps taken in accordance with provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and plastic waste manment rules. Coercive steps may include prosecution, recovery of compensation on 'Polluter Pays' principle, NGT said.

"Let CPCB take appropriate action and file a furr report in matter before September 10. Report be sent by e-mail... It is stated that inste of Amazon Retail India Private Limited, liability is of Amazon Seller Service Private Limited which may be looked into by CPCB," bench said.

CPCB earlier told NGT that Amazon has t submitted complete documents regarding quantity of plastic consumption, while Flipkart has t responded to communication of apex pollution monitoring body.

submission came in response to a plea filed by a 16-year-old boy who has approached tribunal, through vocate Meenesh Dubey, to stop e-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart from excessive plastic use in ir packaging.

While Amazon has t submitted complete documents regarding ir responsibility under plastic waste manment rules and confirmation of quantity of plastic consumption, Flipkart has t responded to CPCB's email dated March 4, 2020 and or correspondence has been received from firm so far, apex pollution monitoring body told NGT.

CPCB informed tribunal that Amazon Retail India submitted application for registration under plastic waste manment rules, 2018 to it on December 5, 2019 having Extended Producer Responsibility of collection and channelisation of 0.5 TPA plastic waste. It furr told tribunal that ar firm Flipkart Pvt Ltd has t responded to CPCB's email dated March 4, 2020 and or correspondence has been received from firm so far.

"However, vide letter dated December 6, 2019 Ms Instakart Services Pvt Ltd informed that Flipkart Pvt Ltd is ir holding company registered in Singapore and Ms Instakart is engd in business of providing logistics and fulfilment services to group companies, it said.

"Flipkart Pvt Ltd is required to submit an application for registration directly to CPCB  or provide requisite documents supporting its link with Instakart Services Pvt Ltd," it said. petition has contended that excessive use of plastic in packaging has given rise to serious environmental challenges.

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CPCB h earlier told NGT that e-commerce giants need to fulfil ir extended producer responsibility under plastic waste manment rules, 2016 and need to establish a system for collecting back plastic waste generated due to packaging of ir products. It h informed green panel that as per provisions 9(2) of plastic waste manment rules, 2016, "Primary responsibility for collection of used multi-layered plastic sachet or pouches or packaging is of producers, importers and brand owners who introduce products in market."

"Amazon Retail India Private Limited and Flipkart Private limited are involved in packaging and selling of or companies' products and thus introducing plastic packaging in market. y need to fulfil ir extended producer responsibility under PWM Rules and should obtain registration as brand owner after submitting proper documents," CPCB h said.

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itya Dubey, through his legal guardian, has pleed NGT to direct Amazon and Flipkart to stop excessive use of plastic in packaging goods delivered by firms.

" e-commerce companies are covered under Plastic Waste Manment Rules, 2016. But due to a lack of monitoring and implementation, respondents continue to use excessive amounts of plastic in wrapping and packaging ir sold items," plea said.

Dubey's plea contended that companies deliver items in cardboard boxes, which are too large when compared to size of items being delivered. plea has also said that though home-delivery service of e-commerce companies has been very useful for consumers, it has given rise to serious environmental challenges due to excessive use of plastics in packaging.

Once goods are delivered, plastic waste is thrown away in garb and it ends up at landfill sites, leing to a burden on earth and damaging environment, it said. Dubey said two companies have t me any arrangements for eir taking back plastic material or ensuring that it is recycled.

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