PUNE: Renowned scientist Dr Raghunath Mashelkar has resigned from the post of Chairman of the Expert Committee to define single-use plastic.

Speaking to Sakal Times, Dr Mashelkar said that because of his busy schedule because he is  the president of Global Research Alliance, it was difficult for him to continue as the Chairman.

The Central government had constituted an expert committee in January to study the use of single-use plastic and submit its report by March or April, a notification issued by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers said. 

The use of plastic was an environmental concern and many state governments have imposed a ban on single-use plastic. 

However, there was a difference of opinion over its usage and the proposed committee will define single-use plastic and submit its report subsequently, the notification said. 

Dr Swaminathan Sivaram, a senior scientist from New Delhi’s Indian National Science Academy, honorary professor at city-based Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), and member of the expert committee said, “Till now, no meetings were held because there was ambiguity over the appointment of the chairperson. The next chairperson will be soon elected by the Central government.”