PLASTIC WASTE DISPOSAL A MATTER OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has said matters concerning the implementation of guidelines for the disposal of thermoset plastic waste of significant public importance, as it has serious environmental implications. In an order, Information Commissioner PR Ramesh reprimanded the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for repeated failures to provide details under the Right to Information Act on action taken regarding the enforcement of guidelines for disposal of thermoset plastic waste, including fibre reinforced plastic. As the thermoset plastic cannot be remelted or reshaped once set, and their disposal is considered highly difficult. The issues raised by the appellant are of significant public importance, and appropriate action is required to ensure effective and transparent implementation of the guidelines issued by the CPCB, the CIC observed. The CIC further noted that despite clear directions from the First Appellant Authority (FAA) the CPCB failed to furnish point wise replies to multiple RTI applications and did not allow inspection of records in several cases. Admonishing the conduct of the than Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) , the Commission said, it amounted to a gross violation of the provisions of the RTI Act, Adding further that such conduct reflected a casual behavior of officers towards the RTI Applications. The CIC also stated in order that the waste disposal guidelines were framed pursuant to directions of the National Green Tribunal, making their implementation critical for environmental protection and the public interest too :-- Er Fateh chand Guleria, Director RTI welfare Association registered number HPCD, 3552 , Bilaspur Himachal Pradesh phone number, 9459334377