This time, the polluter isn’t an industrial unit, a market vendor, or even a private citizen. In an unexpected turn of events, Delhi’s pollution-control watchdog, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), has found itself facing a problem of plastic pollution – inside its own office. The DPCC recently issued an office order directing employees to “lead by example” and immediately discontinue the use of plastic water bottles on the premises. “It has been observed that plastic bottles are being used by employees of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) as water bottles in their daily office routine. As the nodal agency for Pollution Control in Delhi, it is the responsibility of all DPCC employees to lead by example in reducing pollution and promoting sustainable practices,” the order said. The order issued last week underscored the threat posed by single-use plastic to both the environment and public health, and encouraged employees to switch to more sustainable alternatives such as metal, bamboo, or glass bottles. “Plastic waste, especially single-use plastic bottles, significantly contributes to environmental pollution and poses a threat to public health. Hence, instead of plastic bottles, all employees are encouraged to use environmentally friendly alternatives such as metal, bamboo, glass, or other sustainable water bottles,” it said. “This step”, the DPCC said, “is essential not only to reduce plastic waste but also to reinforce our commitment to environmental protection and sustainable living. Your cooperation and support in this important initiative are highly appreciated.” This order aligns DPCC with similar initiatives already in place within Delhi’s governmental framework. In June 2022, the Delhi government banned single-use plastic items in the Delhi Secretariat, including plastic bottles, disposable pens, and containers. Subsequently, Delhi’s Environment Department issued advisories urging all government offices to phase out single-use plastics.
