Government Announces One-Time Financial Support for Marine Plastic Waste Recycling

The Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced new guidelines for one-time financial support to establish recycling plants for abandoned fishing gear and plastic waste in coastal areas. The initiative focuses on the 12 Blue Flag-certified beaches, aiming to set up 25 recycling units. Funding covers equipment costs but excludes land and ongoing expenses.

The government will give one-time financial support for setting up recycling plants for abandoned fishing gear and plastic waste in coastal areas, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced on Saturday.

During a beach clean-up at Juhu in Mumbai, Yadav revealed guidelines for 'One-Time Financial Support for Establishing Recycling Plants.'

According to a ministry note, the initiative mainly targets the 12 Blue Flag-certified beaches, which comply with global environmental, educational, and safety standards. The project will fund 25 new recycling units, 13 for nylon fishing gear and 12 for plastic waste, near these beaches.

Eligible projects must have valid permits, be outside the Coastal Regulation Zone, and comply with local regulations. Priority will go to registered fishermen's societies and strategically important locations without government restrictions. Funding will come from the Central Pollution Control Board's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) funds, Environmental Compensation, and the Environmental Protection Fund.

For plastic waste recycling units, the maximum grant is Rs 38 lakh, while for nylon fishing gear units, it's Rs 48 lakh. Applicants must submit proposals, financial statements, and land documents to state pollution control boards for review before final approval at the central level.

The guidelines also propose an oversight mechanism to ensure proper fund utilization.

(With inputs from agencies.)