Shimla, May 26,
Move towards environmental protection, the Himachal Pradesh government has announced a complete ban on 500-millilitre plastic water bottles (made of Polyethylene Terephthalate or PET) in all government events and select hospitality establishments starting June 1, 2025.
Take Free HimachalScape Subscription Complete this form
Choose Your Membership
The decision was taken in a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena in Shimla today. He stated that the ban is being implemented under Section 3(c)(1) of the Himachal Pradesh Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995, and its 2023 amendment.
From June 1 onwards, the use of PET water bottles of up to 500 ml will be completely prohibited in all meetings, conferences, and events organised by government departments, boards, corporations, and other government entities. The ban will also extend to the hotels managed by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) and private hotels.
Chief Secretary Saxena directed all departments to strictly ensure compliance with the new regulation and to spread public awareness regarding eco-friendly alternatives. He emphasized the importance of promoting sustainable habits among both residents and visitors in the state.
Further, Saxena chaired a second meeting on the mandatory provision of garbage bins in all public and private transport vehicles, including tourist taxis. As part of the state’s ongoing plastic waste management and environmental protection efforts, it has been made compulsory for all tourist vehicles, public buses, and private taxis to be equipped with garbage bins.
Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) officials informed the Chief Secretary that all government buses have already been fitted with garbage bins. Instructions have also been issued for the collection of plastic waste during cleaning of buses at depots and workshops. Necessary arrangements for plastic waste collection have also been made at HRTC-affiliated roadside eateries.
Chief Secretary Saxena instructed the transport department to strictly enforce these directions for all incoming tourist vehicles and private taxis. He also urged the departments of Transport, Rural Development, and Urban Development to take proactive measures for plastic waste collection in both rural and urban areas, especially at taxi stands.
In a third meeting, Saxena reviewed the implementation status of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) under the Department of Environment, Science, Technology, and Climate Change. He issued necessary directions to officials for effective and comprehensive execution of EPR guidelines, stating that a robust EPR system would strengthen plastic waste management and play a vital role in preserving the state’s fragile ecosystem.
Senior officials from the departments of Environment, Transport, Rural Development, Urban Development, Tourism, Police, HRTC, and the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board attended the meetings.
The Chief Secretary reiterated the state government’s commitment to environmental conservation and stated that these steps are part of a broader strategy to make Himachal Pradesh a model for sustainable development.
