Use of 500-ml PET bottles banned in Himachal Pradesh
Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena has announced that the use of 500-ml polythene terephthalate (PET) based water bottles is banned starting 1 June 2025. The decision was made in light of the environmental damage caused by plastic.
24 Jun 2025 | 322 Views | By Jiya Somaiya
Prabodh Saxena, Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh, while presiding over a meeting, stated that the use of single-use PET bottles is banned in internal official meetings, conferences, and events hosted by all government departments, boards, corporations, and related bodies. This restriction will also apply to private hotels and hotels owned by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation.
This decision is made following Section 3-C (1) of the Himachal Pradesh Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995 and the amended Act of 2023.
He added that stainless steel containers, water dispensers, glass bottles, or kiosks can be used as alternatives. According to the applicable rules and regulations, any infringement of these conditions may result in fines ranging between Rs. 500 and Rs. 25,000.
To discourage the use of tiny PET bottles, the Chief Secretary has directed departments including Environment, Science & Technology and Climate Change, Urban Development, Tourism, Education and the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board to conduct extensive awareness programs. He instructed the state to take the required actions to improve the recycling of single-use plastic garbage.
Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena mentioned reports of littering from vehicles all around the state, causing clogging of drains and pollution. This has resulted in mandating the installation of dustbins in all public and private vehicles, including taxis and tourist cars of the state. He instructed public parking owners and bus station officials to ensure garbage collection facilities are in place.
Littering or providing food in plastic containers can result in fines of up to Rs. 1,500, and transport trucks that do not have dustbins might face a penalty of Rs. 10,000.
In addition, to raise awareness of these measures among both locals and visitors, the Chief Secretary emphasised the necessity of a focused public awareness effort.