Tourism News
Kerala High Court Banned Single-Use Plastics in Hilly Tourist Areas and Public Events
The Kerala High Court issued a landmark order banning single-use plastic items in hilly areas popular with tourists, as well as at weddings, large functions, hotels, restaurants, auditoriums, and eateries, with the ban set to take effect from October 2, 2025 (Gandhi Jayanthi). Delivered by a Division Bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas and Justice P. Gopinath in a suo motu case on waste management, the ruling responded to mounting concerns over pollution and irresponsible disposal of plastic waste.
The order targeted a broad array of single-use plastics, including water bottles with a capacity of less than five litres, soft drink bottles below two litres, disposable food containers, plates, cups, straws, sachets, bakery boxes and certain types of carry bags. The Court made it clear that the ban did not apply to larger water or soft drink bottles - those with a carrying capacity of five litres or above, and two litres or above, respectively - nor to non-woven bags of 60 GSM and above, as an appeal on this matter was still pending before the High Court. The restrictions were extended to official government functions and made a condition for the licensing of hotels, restaurants and similar venues, emphasizing the urgent need to address plastic waste at every level of public and private life in Kerala.
As part of its judgment, the High Court called for the installation of adequate kiosks to supply clean drinking water at tourist sites and major events, encouraging the use of glass, stainless steel, copper or biodegradable bottles and containers as substitutes for single-use plastics. Cloth or paper bags were also promoted as sustainable alternatives to plastic carry bags, and tourists visiting hill stations were urged to use reusable bottles and refrain from bringing single-use plastic items.
The judgment required the State government and local bodies to prevent dumping of plastic waste into rivers, canals, and backwaters, as well as to ensure the regular collection of plastic waste from these water bodies. The Court further instructed authorities to conduct sustained awareness campaigns in both visual and print media on the dangers of single-use plastic and to promote the adoption of alternatives. In line with the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, the order emphasised strict enforcement of extended producer responsibility and directed the Chief Secretary and Special Secretary of Local Self Government to coordinate with the Pollution Control Board, the local bodies, and the police for robust implementation.
By issuing these directions, the Kerala High Court reinforced the fundamental right of every individual to a clean environment and marked a decisive step towards protecting Kerala’s fragile landscapes and public health from the hazards of single-use plastic pollution.
