Kerala High Court Enforces Ban on Single-Use Plastics in Hilly Areas and Public Events

TONOY CHAKRABORTY

On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 05:41 PM IST, the Kerala High Court announced a significant environmental ruling, banning single-use plastics in the state’s hilly tourist destinations and restricting the use of certain plastic bottles at large gatherings, including weddings and official government functions.

Delivered by a Division Bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas and Justice P Gopinath in the case Suo Motu v State of Kerala, this decision addresses the pressing issue of plastic waste in ecologically sensitive regions.

The ban, set to take effect on October 2, 2025 (Gandhi Jayanti), gives the State government time to implement necessary measures, reinforcing Kerala’s commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental protection.

Key Details of the Ruling

What Happened: The court banned the sale and use of single-use plastics, such as food containers, plates, cups, straws, sachets, and bakery boxes, in hilly tourist areas with high footfall. Additionally, plastic water bottles (under 5 liters) and soft drink bottles (under 2 liters) are prohibited at Central and State government functions, weddings, hotels, restaurants, auditoriums, and similar venues.
When: The ruling was issued on June 17, 2025, with implementation starting October 2, 2025.
Where: The ban applies to specified hilly tourist destinations in Kerala, such as Munnar, Wayanad, and Ponmudi, as well as public venues across the state.
Who’s Involved: The court directed the Chief Secretary and the Special Secretary to the Local Self Government Department (LSGD), Anupama TV (IAS), to coordinate implementation with local bodies, the Pollution Control Board, and the State Police. Special Government Pleader Unnikrishnan represented the State, while Standing Counsel Janardhana Shenoy and Suman Chakravarthi represented the Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram Corporations, respectively.

Specific Directives

Hilly Tourist Areas: Sale and use of single-use plastics (e.g., food containers, plates, cups, straws, sachets, bakery boxes) are banned in high-footfall hilly destinations. Exemptions apply to water bottles of 5 liters or more and soft drink bottles of 2 liters or more.
Government Functions and Weddings: Plastic bottles under 5 liters (water) and 2 liters (soft drinks), along with straws, plates, cups, and cutlery, are banned at all Central and State government events, weddings, hotels, restaurants, and auditoriums. These prohibitions will be included in licensing conditions for such establishments.
Infrastructure Support: District administrations and local bodies must establish water kiosks and provide alternatives like glass or copper water bottles for sale in hilly areas at reasonable distances.
Tourist Guidelines: Tourists are prohibited from carrying single-use plastics into hilly destinations and are encouraged to use reusable bottles.
Waste Management: The State and local bodies must prevent plastic waste dumping into rivers, canals, and backwaters, ensuring regular collection from these water bodies.
Awareness Campaigns: State authorities are tasked with running campaigns in visual and print media to educate the public on the harmful effects of single-use plastics and promote alternatives.
Enforcement: The Plastic Waste Management Rules and related laws must be strictly enforced across the state.

Background and Context

Kerala’s hilly regions, such as Munnar and Wayanad, are major tourist attractions, drawing millions annually. In 2024, Munnar alone saw over 1.2 million visitors, a trend likely to have continued into 2025. However, this influx has led to a sharp rise in plastic waste, threatening the region’s fragile ecosystems. A 2023 Kerala State Pollution Control Board study noted an 18% increase in plastic waste in tourist areas over five years, with hilly regions becoming “plastic dump yards” due to littering.

Globally, plastic pollution is a pressing issue. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that 300 million tons of plastic waste are produced annually, with only 9% recycled. In India, single-use plastics are a significant contributor, often polluting rivers, oceans, and forests.

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Kerala’s rivers, like the Periyar and Bharathapuzha, have seen increased plastic contamination, endangering aquatic life and water quality. Microplastics, found in 83% of global tap water samples according to a 2017 Orb Media study, pose additional health risks to humans and ecosystems.

The court initiated this suo motu case to tackle waste management challenges in tourist areas, emphasizing that every individual has a fundamental right to a clean environment and a duty to protect it. The exemptions for larger plastic bottles (5 liters for water, 2 liters for soft drinks) reflect a practical approach, ensuring access to essentials in areas where alternatives may not yet be widely available.

The ruling will significantly impact Kerala’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Hilly destinations, heavily reliant on tourism revenue, must adapt to the ban, potentially facing initial cost increases as they switch to sustainable alternatives. However, this move could enhance Kerala’s global image as an eco-friendly destination, attracting environmentally conscious travelers and boosting long-term tourism.

Weddings in Kerala, often large-scale events hosting thousands, generate substantial plastic waste—hundreds of kilograms per event from water bottles, plates, and cutlery. By banning single-use plastics at such gatherings, the court aims to drive a cultural shift toward sustainability, setting a precedent for public behavior. Similarly, government functions adopting these measures will lead by example, promoting widespread adoption of eco-friendly practices.

Implementation challenges include ensuring compliance in remote hilly areas, scaling up waste collection and recycling infrastructure, and preventing illegal dumping into water bodies. The court’s mandate for awareness campaigns is critical, as public education on the dangers of single-use plastics—such as microplastic contamination and harm to wildlife—can foster behavioral change. The involvement of district administrations, local bodies, and the State Police will be key to enforcing the ban and penalizing violations.

The Kerala High Court’s ban on single-use plastics is a bold and necessary step to protect the state’s natural heritage and uphold the right to a clean environment. Targeting high-impact areas like tourist destinations and large gatherings, the ruling sets a strong example for environmental stewardship in India.

As the ban takes effect on October 2, 2025, effective coordination between the State government, local bodies, and citizens will be crucial to its success. This decision not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also paves the way for a more sustainable future, reminding us all of our shared responsibility to safeguard the planet.

17-06-2025

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