The Kerala High Court has directed the State government and other stakeholders to address the environmental problems posed by the widespread use of small plastic water bottles, especially at tourist destinations in hilly areas, wedding receptions, and other celebrations.
The court instructed the stakeholders, including the Kerala State Pollution Control Board, to submit their suggestions by Monday to pronounce its order on the matter on Tuesday.
While suggesting the implementation of a buy-back system by which the Kerala State Beverages Corporation could collect such plastic bottles and return them to liquor companies for recycling, the court observed that such a system could significantly reduce plastic waste in the State.
The government and local self-governing bodies would be the implementing agencies for any directives issued in this regard.
The suo motu case was taken up following concerns flagged during proceedings related to the fire at the Brahmapuram garbage plant in Kochi in 2023.
The court had earlier cited a directive of the Madras High Court prohibiting plastic water bottles in locales such as Kodaikanal. It also mooted the use of alternatives to plastic, like glass bottles.
Published – June 13, 2025 08:45 pm IST
