Page 21 - Plastics News Issue - January 2025
P. 21

ENVIRONMENT NEWS




          Exemptions  apply  to  specific  items,  including    (WAM), the initiative seeks to involve the private
          thin films for packaging meat, fish, fruits, vegeta-  sector in fostering sustainable recycling and ad-
          bles, and bread, as well as garbage bags and          vancing circular economy practices.
          products intended for export or re-export. Such
          items must clearly state their purpose to avoid       This comprehensive approach reflects  Dubai's
          local trading violations.                             commitment to reducing plastic waste and build-
                                                                ing a sustainable future for the Emirate and its
          Issued by Dubai’s Crown Prince, the regulation        residents.
          applies equally to virgin and recycled single-use                                Source: Sustainable Plastic
          products. It aligns with broader goals to protect
          the environment, encourage eco-friendly life-
          styles, and promote the use of reusable prod-
          ucts. According to the Emirate News Agency


         Bhopal's Toxic Waste Disposal Begins


         in Pithampur After 40 Years of Delay Following the 1984 Disaster



                                                                tions about transparency and accountability re-
                                                                main. The community wants assurance that the
                                                                disposal process will not harm them. The gov-
                                                                ernment must address these concerns to build
                                                                trust with the public. The decision to move the
                                                                waste comes after years of pressure from ac-
                                                                tivists and residents. They have long demanded
                                                                action to resolve this environmental crisis. The
                                                                move to Pithampur is a significant step towards
                                                                addressing these demands. Despite this pro-
                                                                gress, many people are still worried about po-
                 hopal has faced a toxic legacy since           tential hazards. They want clear communication
                 the 1984 industrial disaster. The hazard-      from authorities about safety measures in place.
          Bous waste from the Union Carbide fac-                Ensuring public safety should be a top priority
          tory has been stored for years. Now, it is being      during this process. The government must also
          moved to Pithampur for safe disposal. This step       provide regular updates on the disposal process.
          is crucial for addressing long-standing concerns      This will help keep the public informed and re-
          about safety and accountability. The waste will       duce fears about potential risks. Transparency is
          be neutralized at a specialized facility in Pitham-   key to gaining public trust in this situation. As the
          pur. This process aims to ensure the safety of        waste is moved, it is important to monitor its im-
          local residents. However, there are concerns          pact on Pithampur's environment and residents.
          about the government's delayed response and           Authorities should conduct regular checks to en-
          the risks involved in handling the waste. Ques-       sure that all safety protocols are followed. This



              January 2025                                                                   PLASTICS NEWS  21
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