Himachal Pradesh to Ban Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles Under 500ml Starting June 2025

Shimla (The Uttam Hindu): Himachal government has taken a big decision towards environmental protection. Now single use plastic water bottles will not be available in the state.

From June 1, 2025, there will be a complete ban on the use of single-use plastic water bottles of less than 500 ml in the state. The Department of Environment, Science and Technology has issued a notification in this regard. Users have been advised to adopt glass bottles or other alternatives. The deadline of June 1 has been fixed so that the stock already present in the market can be finished and businessmen do not suffer losses. All government organizations mainly the Department of Environment, Science Technology and Climate Change, Department of Tourism, Department of Education, Department of Urban Development and State Pollution Control Board will run awareness activities to prevent the use of small plastic water bottles in public places.

The Department of Environment, Science Technology and Climate Change and the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board will take effective measures to further improve the recycling of plastic water bottles. Measures will also be taken to monitor and control the use of such bottles at public places. Such bottles will not be used at all government functions, Tourism Development Corporation hotels, private hotels, marriages, and other social events. In case of violation, fines and legal action will be taken. Bottles less than 500 ml are used in large quantities but they contain less water, which increases plastic consumption. Throwing them here and there after use causes great damage to the environment. Recycling of these bottles is difficult, which further increases pollution