Plastic Bottle Ban: There will be a ban on the use of small water bottles up to 500 ml containing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in all government programs and hotels in Himachal Pradesh from June 1. This information has been given by Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena. This decision has been taken in view of the damage being caused to the environment by plastic in the state. The Chief Secretary said this while presiding over a meeting held in this regard.

Prabodh Saxena said that under subsection (1) of section-3-A of the Himachal Pradesh Biodegradable Waste (Control) Act, 1995 and section 2 of the Himachal Pradesh Biodegradable Waste Control Amendment Act 2023, the use of PET bottles up to 500 ml will be banned in meetings, conferences, programs organized by all government departments, boards, corporations and other organizations of the state as well as in tourism corporation hotels and private hotels.

Fine will be imposed on violation

He said that glass bottles, water dispensers, kiosks or steel containers will be used as an alternative. He said that any kind of violation in this regard can lead to a fine ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 25000 under various rules.

He also directed the Department of Environment Science Technology and Climate Change, Department of Tourism, Department of Education, Department of Urban Development and Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board to run extensive public awareness activities to stop the use of plastic PET small bottles. Apart from this, instructions were also given to take effective steps for recycling of PET bottles.