Is a local study needed in Maharashtra to understand how plastic devastates the environment?

Two weeks ago, Maharashtra issued a notification banning the manufacture and use of plastic bags, single use disposable items made of plastic and polystyrene foam – popularly called thermocol – cutlery, non-woven polypropylene bags, pouches, packaging and certain kinds of bottles. Plastic manufacturers, who have moved the Bombay high court against the ban, have demanded an environment impact assessment study to find out how plastic, and its alternatives, affects the environment. A study by Orb Media, which has been reported by newspapers, said that fibres, produced by plastic waste breaking down, were found in most tap water samples tested from across the world, including India. Paper bags have been suggested as an alternative to plastics, but you have to understand the environmental impact of every alternative.” “Plastic is a good material, so use it advantageously.