The Kerala High Court has announced a comprehensive ban on plastic bottles and single-use plastic items in the state’s popular highland tourist regions. The new rules will come into force on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti, marking a major shift toward sustainable tourism.
Under the ban, soft drink bottles under 2 liters and water bottles under 5 liters will no longer be allowed in these eco-sensitive zones. The restriction also covers non-recyclable plastic items like food containers, plates, cups, straws, plastic covers, and bakery packaging — prohibiting both their use and sale.
The court’s Division Bench directed the Chief Secretary and Local Self-Government Secretary to ensure strict enforcement, emphasizing that environmental protection is a constitutional duty.
To support tourists and locals, the court has proposed the installation of drinking water kiosks and the use of steel or copper glasses instead of plastic alternatives. Local bodies have also been instructed to prevent plastic waste from entering water bodies and to promote eco-friendly alternatives.
In a scathing observation, the court criticized Indian Railways for allowing plastic bottles from the Vande Bharat Express to be dumped near Veli in Thiruvananthapuram, contributing to backwater pollution.
The plastic ban will also apply to events organized by both central and state governments, reinforcing Kerala’s commitment to a cleaner, greener future.
