NEW DELHI: In a startling revelation, India has emerged as the world’s largest contributor to plastic pollution, generating approximately 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually. This staggering figure accounts for nearly 20% of the global plastic waste, according to a recent study.

The study, carried out by University of Leeds researchers Joshua W Cottom, Ed Cook, and Costas A Velis, estimated that around 251 mt of plastic waste is produced every year, enough to fill up roughly 200,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Roughly a fifth of this waste — 52.1 mt — is “emitted” into the environment, unmanaged.

The environmental implications of this are profound, with a significant portion of the waste not being properly managed or collected. This mismanagement leads to severe pollution of land and water bodies, posing a threat to wildlife and human health.

Experts emphasize the urgent need for improved waste management systems and a reduction in plastic usage. Initiatives such as increased recycling, the promotion of biodegradable alternatives, and stricter regulations on plastic production and disposal are seen as critical steps towards mitigating this crisis.

Environmental activists and organizations are calling for immediate action from both the government and the public to address this growing concern. “We need a collective effort to tackle this issue. It’s not just about reducing plastic use but also about changing our mindset towards waste management,” said Anjali Sharma, an environmentalist based in Mumbai has quoted on the said problem.

The government has acknowledged the severity of the situation and is reportedly working on new policies to curb plastic pollution. However, the effectiveness of these measures will depend largely on their implementation and public cooperation.

As the world grapples with the challenges of plastic pollution, India’s role in this global issue highlights the need for sustainable practices and a commitment to environmental preservation.