Plastic Pollution in India: The Crisis That’s Only Getting Worse

Recently, I discarded several sachets of soap solution, and food packaging containers within the same week. This was the cause of multiple headaches and compelled me to write this blog about plastic pollution. If this topic sounds familiar, that’s because it is. At Klim8, we’ve written about plastic pollution before, but the reason we’re returning to it now is simple. The problem has grown far more serious. Despite years of awareness campaigns, bans, and recycling drives, the numbers show that our plastic crisis is deepening, especially here in India.

India’s Growing Plastic Waste Problem

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India generates over 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste every year, a number that has nearly tripled in the past decade. What’s more alarming is that over 60% of this plastic is never recycled. Instead, it ends up in overflowing landfills, rivers, and even the air we breathe as microplastics. A 2023 study found that Indians ingest nearly 5 grams of microplastics every week, roughly the weight of a credit card.

Environmental Impact of Plastic Waste

The danger doesn’t stop there. Improper disposal of plastics, especially single-use items like wrappers, straws, and bags, has led to massive clogging of urban drainage systems, worsening floods during monsoons. In coastal areas, plastic debris makes up over 80% of marine litter, threatening fish stocks and local livelihoods.

Why Recycling Isn’t Enough

Even the much-celebrated recycling industry has its limits. Many plastics, especially multi-layered packaging (MLP) used in chips or chocolate wrappers, are nearly impossible to recycle. They often get burned and release toxic fumes and greenhouse gases that worsen both climate change and air pollution.

Simple Solutions: What We Can Do

So, what can we do?

We must strive to reduce single-use plastics wherever possible and carry reusable bottles and bags wherever we go. Segregating waste at home so recyclables can actually be recycled is another simple aspect thst is often overlooked. You could also extend your support to local initiatives and startups working on sustainable alternatives and circular economy models like KaroSambhav and OneStepGreener.

A Final Warning: The Time for Action Is Now

The message of this blog isn’t just a repeat of the last one — it’s a warning that the window for change is shrinking. The plastic crisis isn’t on the horizon anymore. It’s here, in our drains, oceans, soil, and even in our bloodstream. As students, its time that awareness turns into urgent action.