CM Launches Single-Use Plastic Challan App, Announces 6 Lakh Steel Water Bottles for School Children

Shimla, June 5: On the occasion of World Environment Day, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presided over the state-level celebration held at Peterhof, Shimla. The event was jointly organized by the Department of Environment, Science & Technology and Climate Change, along with the Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology and Environment (HIMCOSTE).

During the event, the Chief Minister announced the distribution of six lakh stainless steel water bottles to students across government schools in the state. Emphasizing the government’s commitment to environmental protection, he stated that strong and effective measures are being taken to control plastic pollution, including the strict enforcement of plastic use regulations and continuous public awareness campaigns.

He reiterated that the state government has launched a decisive campaign against plastic and is working towards making Himachal a “Green State” by March 31, 2026. Several innovative initiatives are underway in this direction.

To enhance green cover, new schemes are being implemented across the state. These include the promotion of solar energy projects, green corridors, electric vehicles, and other sustainable energy initiatives. CM Sukhu also mentioned that the state has requested “Green Bonus” support from the central government to aid these efforts.

Marking a key step in plastic regulation, the Chief Minister launched the Single-Use Plastic Challan Mobile App, which will allow authorities to issue paperless and instant challans for violations related to plastic use. He also released a series of informative booklets published by the Environment Department.

Further promoting eco-friendly initiatives, machines for making biodegradable plates and bowls were handed over to the Shakti and Ekta Self-Help Groups, as well as the Kushala Cluster-Level Organization. The RKMV Eco Club received a shredder machine to support its environmental activities.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also felicitated winners of various environment-related competitions and visited an exhibition organized by the department showcasing their work and initiatives.

Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena provided a detailed overview of the state’s key environmental efforts, including the Himachal Pradesh Deposit Refund Scheme and policies aimed at regulating plastic producers and polluters. He also discussed the state’s Climate Adaptation Action Plan, climate literacy programs, and green cover expansion initiatives.

Director of Environment, Science & Technology and Climate Change, D.C. Rana, welcomed the Chief Minister and outlined the department’s activities. Stakeholders from various sectors also shared updates on their respective environmental projects.

The event was attended by Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLAs Sanjay Awasthi and Harish Janartha, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, Member Secretary of the Pollution Control Board Anil Joshi, senior officials, students, and other stakeholders.