The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) vide notification dated 21st November 2019, has issued notice to the stakeholders regarding implementation of its previous order dated 16th October 2019 on prohibition of use of single use plastics.
The earlier order was designed to minimize pollution from single use plastics and is implemented in two stages i.e. items prohibited with immediate effect, and items prohibited with effect from 1st January 2020. Whereas DGS has received representations seeking a revision of the implementation schedule so that the shipping companies can put the logistical arrangements in place. Cruise liners have specifically requested a longer time for implementation.
Therefore, DGS permitted all ships including Cruise liners to operate on Indian waters till a revised implementation schedule is finalized in consultation with stakeholders and an “Addendum to the DGS Order 05 of 2019” is issued. It also permitted all ships to avail reception facilities for all waste including single use plastics on all Indian ports.
Click here to read the Notification
