Himachal Pradesh to Enforce Complete Ban on 500ml Plastic Water Bottles from June 1

Shimla, May 26:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena chaired a review meeting today to finalize preparations for the upcoming ban on the use of 500ml plastic water bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The ban, which will take effect from June 1, 2025, applies to all government functions and hotels across the state.

The decision, taken under Section 3-C(1) of the Himachal Pradesh Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995 and the amended 2023 Act, reflects the state government’s commitment to mitigating the environmental hazards caused by plastic waste.

Under this initiative, the use of PET bottles up to 500ml in capacity will be strictly prohibited in all meetings, conferences, and events organized by government departments, boards, corporations, and other state-run entities. The ban will also extend to hotels operated by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) as well as private hotels across the state.

The Chief Secretary sought detailed updates from all concerned departments regarding the measures being taken to enforce the ban. He also emphasized the need for strict compliance and directed departments to carry out extensive public awareness campaigns to promote environmentally friendly alternatives.

Following the review on the plastic bottle ban, Saxena chaired another meeting focused on the mandatory installation of garbage bins in public and private transport, including taxis, across Himachal Pradesh. This step is part of the state’s broader plastic waste management and environmental protection strategy.

Officials from Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) reported that all government buses are now equipped with garbage bins. Instructions have also been issued to ensure collection and disposal of plastic waste during cleaning operations at bus stands and depots. Additionally, measures are in place at roadside eateries (dhabas) managed by HRTC to handle plastic waste effectively.

The Chief Secretary instructed the Transport Department to ensure strict enforcement of these rules in all tourist vehicles, private transport, and taxis. He further directed the Transport, Rural Development, and Urban Development Departments to take coordinated action to ensure plastic waste collection at taxi stands and in both urban and rural areas, so that environmental goals are met efficiently.

Saxena also presided over a meeting to review the implementation status of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in the state, a key strategy in managing plastic waste. He issued necessary directives to officials from the Environment, Science, Technology, and Climate Change Department, reaffirming the government’s resolve to strengthen environmental safeguards.

“The government is fully committed to protecting the environment, and concrete steps are being taken to that end,” Saxena said. He added that effective implementation of EPR would significantly enhance plastic waste management and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Senior officials from the departments of Environment, Science & Technology, Climate Change, Transport, HRTC, Rural Development, Urban Development, Tourism, Police, and the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board were present at the meeting.