Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh announced that it was not possible to put a complete ban on use of plastics in India as it would have effect on the huge employment provided by the industry.

The minister said, "I am not in favour of blanket ban on plastics as the industry provides massive employment to people. The problem is with the collection system and we need to strengthen that. Inherently, plastics are not hazardous to health but problem is due to circulation of substandard and recycled plastics."

He said use of plastic bags was started 20 years back in order to stop deforestation and it is not sensible to put a ban on them.

Mr. Jairam also said that the country needs to be a little conscious. Many states have banished the use of plastic bags and that is the way to handle it.

The central administration can publicize the apt conditions but its enforcement has to be done by the state administration and the municipal agencies.

The environment minister added that around 15,777 tonnes of plastic was made in India on a daily basis and providing economic incentive was the best means to check the use of plastic.

"We are also looking at economic incentive in order to discourage the use of plastic. We have done some studies and if you add small cost to the plastic bags, people can be dissuaded from the use of plastic bag. I think economic incentive is better way for enforcing our rules," he added. (With Inputs from Agencies)