Himachal Pradesh Bans Plastic Water Bottles Below 500ml to Preserve Natural Beauty

Shimla, June 2:
In a move aimed at preserving Himachal Pradesh’s pristine environment and reinforcing its commitment to becoming a polythene-free state, the government has banned the use of plastic water bottles below 500 ml (made of polyethylene terephthalate, or PET) across the state starting June 1. Violations of this ban may attract fines ranging from ₹500 to ₹10,000.

Dr. Suresh C. Atri, Chief Scientific Officer in the Department of Environment, Science, Technology, and Climate Change, said the state has a duty to maintain its natural cleanliness and scenic beauty. As such, the government has enforced a complete ban on the use of small plastic water bottles to curb plastic waste at the source.

In the initial phase, the ban applies strictly to all meetings, conferences, and events organized by government departments, boards, and corporations, as well as at Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) hotels and private hotels.

Anyone found using or supplying these bottles will face strict action, including financial penalties. The step is part of the state’s broader push against single-use plastics and efforts to promote sustainable alternatives.