Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, June 2
Himachal Pradesh has banned the use of plastic water bottles smaller than 500 millilitres, as part of its ongoing efforts to become a polythene-free region. The new regulation, which came into effect on 1 June, targets polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and carries fines ranging from ₹500 to ₹10,000 for violators.
The initial phase of enforcement covers all government events, including official meetings, conferences, and programmes organised by departments, boards, corporations, and hotels run by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. Private hotels have also been included in the ban. Officials say the ban is aimed at preserving the state’s fragile ecosystem and reducing the growing problem of plastic waste in tourist areas.
Himachal Pradesh’s Chief Scientific Officer for Environment, Science and Technology, and Climate Change, Suresh C. Atri, said the government has a duty to preserve the state’s natural beauty and cleanliness. As part of this effort, a complete ban on small plastic water bottles came into effect on 1 June.
Himachal Pradesh has previously introduced bans on several single-use plastic items and is positioning itself as a model for environmental protection in India. The state government has urged residents, tourists, and businesses to cooperate with the new rules and adopt more sustainable alternatives.
