India Will Ban Plastic Bags, Cups, and Straws Around the Country, Officials Say

The ban, which will go into effect on Oct. 2, 2019, will apply to six single-use plastic items plastic bags, cups, plates, small bottles, straws, and some sachets (small packets) often used to package food and snacks.
“The ban will be comprehensive and will cover manufacturing, usage, and import of such items” one official, who asked to remain anonymous, said. The government will allow a six-month adjustment period before enforcing penalties for those found violating the new law, officials said. 

Some states have already implemented bans on plastic bags to help address the country’s plastic pollution problem, but the upcoming nationwide ban is part of a larger campaign by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rid India of all single-use plastics by 2022.