MARCH 20258ISURGINGCHARGE OF STARTUPS TO SECURE INDIA FROM DISASTROUS PLASTIC THREATBy Jaipriya K S, Correspondent, siliconindia Columnndia, a country of over 1.4 billion people celebrated for its extraordinary ecological heritage, has now earned the ugly title `World's Largest Plastic Polluter'. The escalating plastic crisis of the country casts a shadow over its environmental future as it accounts for 20 percent of the total global plastic waste. Of this shocking scenario, India generates 10.2 million tonnes of plastic waste per annum, which is larger than the contribution of entire regions. Out of this, regrettably 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste are mishandled and outflow into the environment every year, choking waterways, and air, and threatening our ecosystem.Alarming Impacts of PlasticsOnce celebrated for its durability and versatility, today plastics have become one of the most demanding environmental issues. Especially in India, the pressing urgency to avoid plastics is more critical than ever. India's rapid urbanization, growing population, and changing food patterns have caused an alarming rise in plastic waste.Amid many categories of pollution, plastic pollution poses a serious threat to ecosystems and human health. As there are tonnes of plastic waste generated annually where nearly 40 percent remains uncollected, leading to choking and spoiling of drainage systems.
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