Plastic is everywhere around us - in bottles, bags, toys, and even clothes. It makes our daily life easy because it is light, cheap, and strong. But this convenience has come at a great cost. Plastic does not disappear. It stays in the soil, water, and air for hundreds of years and is now harming people, animals, and the planet.

In August 2025, world leaders met in Geneva, Switzerland, to create a global agreement to control plastic pollution. The meeting brought together over 2,600 people from 183 countries. For ten days, they discussed how to reduce plastic waste and make rules for recycling and production. But in the end, they could not agree on a final plan. Some countries wanted to reduce the production of plastic itself, while others - including India - believed the focus should be on better waste management.

Because of this disagreement, the talks ended without a treaty. That means there is still no global rule to stop plastic from harming the environment. Meanwhile, the problem is growing bigger every day. Scientists say that by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in our oceans. The world's largest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans, already receives billions of tiny plastic particles, called microplastics, each day. These tiny bits enter the food chain and may even reach human blood.

In India, plastic pollution also causes local disasters. The recent floods in Punjab became worse because plastic wrappers and bags blocked drainage systems. Plastic clogs rivers, kills marine life, and releases harmful chemicals when burnt. It is now a threat not only to nature but also to our health and safety.

Even though the world could not agree on a treaty, India has a special chance to show leadership. India can prove that strong action at home can inspire others around the world.

To begin with, India already has one of the best recycling systems for hard plastics like PET bottles. This success is made possible by the efforts of over two million waste pickers who collect and sort plastic every day. These workers deserve more respect, safety, and fair pay. Making their jobs formal and secure will strengthen the recycling system further.

India can also make new rules to ensure that companies use recycled plastic in their packaging and products. Just as petrol is blended with ethanol to reduce pollution, manufacturers can be required to blend new plastic with recycled plastic. This will reduce the need to produce fresh plastic and encourage more recycling.

The government's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law already says that companies must collect and recycle the plastic they produce. But this rule is not followed strictly. It needs better monitoring and penalties for those who ignore it. Companies must pay the real cost of collecting and disposing of their waste, especially for multilayered wrappers used in chips, biscuits, and shampoo sachets. These wrappers are difficult to recycle and often end up in drains and landfills.

At the same time, India's scientists are working on innovative solutions. For example, researchers in Kolkata have found microbes that can break down microplastics. Supporting such local innovations can help find cleaner and cheaper ways to manage plastic waste.

The world has solved tough environmental problems before. In 1987, countries signed the Montreal Protocol to stop using chemicals that damaged the ozone layer - and today that layer is healing. This shows that global cooperation works when countries act with seriousness and speed.

India can lead by example - by reducing plastic use, improving waste collection, helping recyclers, and investing in science. If India succeeds, it can show the world that development and environmental care can go hand in hand.

Because real leadership is not about waiting for others - it's about showing the way forward.
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