Marine pollution, especially from plastic waste, is a growing global concern, with abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear (ALDFGs) being a major contributor. Made from non-biodegradable materials like nylon and polyethylene, these gears entangle marine life and degrade marine ecosystems. In addition to fishing gear, plastic packaging and other materials exacerbate the issue. India, with its booming fishing industry, is facing enormous challenges in managing this waste along its coastlines. To mitigate this, the government has introduced guidelines to offer one-time financial support for setting up recycling plants and machinery. These initiatives aim to promote waste management practices, improve recycling efforts, and ultimately reduce the environmental impact of marine pollution, helping to protect marine biodiversity.

Understanding the Guidelines for One-Time Financial Assistance for the Establishment of Recycling Plant and Machinery

The Indian coastline faces plastic waste pollution, mostly from discarded fishing gear. According to data from various State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs), millions of tonnes of plastic waste, including fishing nets and other synthetic materials, are generated every year. These materials are often non-biodegradable and persist in the marine environment for decades, harming aquatic life. To reduce the impact of marine litter, especially around Blue Flag certified beaches, the CPCB has drawn up guidelines that provide financial support for setting up plastic waste recycling plants. 

The funding aims to encourage the recycling of plastic materials, reduce pollution and promote a circular economy where waste is reused to create new products. This financial support is provided through funds such as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Environmental Protection Fund created under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986. The primary goal is to promote the establishment of efficient recycling systems near beaches with tourist traffic or fishing activities.

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Objectives of the Guidelines

The primary objectives of the financial aid program are:

• Reduction of Marine Pollution: The main objective is to reduce the amount of plastic waste and abandoned fishing gear littering beaches and marine ecosystems, especially near Blue Flag certified beaches.
• Circular Economy Promotion: By encouraging the recycling of plastic materials and fishing nets, the program supports the circular economy model. This means reducing reliance on virgin plastics and promoting the reuse of materials in various forms.
• Supporting the Fishing Community: The initiative also targets the fishing community, which plays a significant role in generating plastic waste through fishing nets and other fishery-related plastics.

Details of Plastic Recycling Facilities

There are two primary ways of recycling plastic waste:

Mechanical Recycling: In this method, plastic waste is broken down into smaller particles without changing its chemical composition. The steps involved in mechanical recycling include:

• Collection and Segregation: Plastics are separated based on their density, often using flotation techniques.
• Cleaning and Drying: The plastic materials are cleaned and dried to remove contaminants such as dirt, algae, and sand.
• Grinding: The cleaned plastic is then ground into small flakes.
• Extrusion and Pelletizing: The flakes are melted and formed into continuous strands, which are then cooled and cut into pellets.
• Fabrication into New Products: These pellets are used as raw materials to create new plastic products.

Chemical Recycling: Chemical recycling involves breaking down plastics into their monomers or basic building blocks, which can then be used to create new polymers. This process is primarily used for plastics like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and nylon. Chemical recycling techniques include pyrolysis, gasification, and hydrolysis.

Oversight Mechanism for Plastic Recycling Units

To ensure that the recycling plants adhere to regulatory requirements and effectively manage waste, a robust oversight mechanism has been put in place.

SPCBs/PCCs Responsibilities:

• Monitoring and reporting on the progress of recycling plant setups.
• Conducting inspections to ensure that the plant complies with environmental standards.
• Ensuring that the recycling units properly handle fishing gear and plastic waste.
• Submitting annual reports to the CPCB detailing the operation and compliance of the units.

CPCB Responsibilities:

• Reviewing the annual reports submitted by the SPCBs/PCCs.
• Conducting periodic inspections and ensuring that the plants meet the standards set under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.

Post-Commissioning Monitoring:

After a plant has been set up, it will be regularly monitored for compliance with safety, waste management, and pollution control measures. Failure to comply with these standards may result in the forfeiture of financial assistance.

Inspection by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs):

ULBs are responsible for waste collection, storage, and transportation from Blue Flag beaches to the recycling plants. They will collaborate with local communities and other agencies to ensure the effective handling of waste.

Financing Structure

The financial support provided for setting up the recycling plants is structured in a way that ensures both government funding and proponent investment.

Support for Capital Expenditure:

• Plastic Waste Recycling Plants: Financial assistance can be up to Rs. 19 lakh per ton per day (TPD) or 40% of the total capital cost, with a maximum cap of Rs. 38 lakh.
• Nylon Fishing Gear Recycling Plants: Financial aid is available up to Rs. 24 lakh per TPD or 40% of the capital cost, with a maximum cap of Rs. 48 lakh.

Cost Sharing:

The funding is based on a 40:60 ratio, with the CPCB covering 40% of the capital costs and the project proponent contributing the remaining 60%. The proponents are encouraged to seek additional funding from other schemes but must ensure their contribution is at least 40% of the total capital cost.

Disbursement Mechanism:

Funds will be disbursed in four installments after approval. A bank guarantee will be required to ensure accountability for the use of funds.

Eligibility Criteria of One-Time Financial Support for Establishing Recycling Plants & Machinery

To be eligible for financial assistance, the following conditions must be met:

• New Recycling Units: The facility must be a new unit established for recycling plastic waste or fishing gears.
• Valid Consent to Establish: The unit must have a valid Consent to Establish (CTE) from the concerned SPCB/PCC.
• Land Ownership or Lease Agreement: The proponent must have a valid land possession letter or lease agreement for at least 10 years.
• Location: The recycling unit should be located in an area that is strategically important, such as near beaches, harbours, or fishing hotspots. Proposals closer to Blue Flag beaches will be given priority.
• Registered Fishermen's Societies: Priority will be given to proposals from registered fishermen’s societies or associations interested in setting up recycling units for fishing gears.

Documents Required for One-Time Financial Support for Establishing Recycling Plants & Machinery

To apply for financial assistance, the following documents need to be submitted:

• Application Form: A fully filled application form.
• Land Possession Letter: Proof of land ownership or lease agreement.
• Financial Statements: Financial statements for the past three years.
• Consent to Establish (CTE): A valid CTE from the concerned SPCB/PCC.
• Project Proposal: A detailed project proposal, including the production capacity, process flow chart, and an itemized cost estimate for the plant and machinery.
• Agreements with Local Authorities: Any agreements with local authorities or fishing communities for the assured availability of waste materials from Blue Flag beaches.

Process of Application, Evaluation & Approval Mechanism

The process of application and approval for financial support involves several steps:

• Application Submission: The project proponent submits the application along with the necessary documents to the SPCB/PCC of the concerned state/UT.
• Screening by SPCB/PCC: The application is screened by a committee formed by the SPCB/PCC, which evaluates the proposal based on eligibility criteria and the strategic importance of the location.
• Evaluation by Central Committee: The SPCB/PCC forwards the eligible application to the CPCB. A central committee evaluates the application, and if favourable, the proposal is approved for funding.
• Disbursement of Funds: Once approved, the funds are disbursed in four installments, and the proponent must ensure that the plant becomes operational within one year.

Conclusion

The establishment of recycling plants for plastic waste and fishing gear is an important step towards reducing marine pollution and protecting coastal ecosystems. Through these guidelines and financial support, the government aims to tackle the growing problem of plastic and fishing gear waste in a sustainable way. By promoting recycling, the initiative encourages a circular economy and helps reduce the environmental impact of marine litter. With the right support and adherence to the guidelines, the recycling plant will not only reduce the amount of plastic waste in coastal areas but also promote eco-friendly business practices and contribute to the conservation of marine life.