Himachal Pradesh Bans 500ml Plastic Water Bottles at Government Events and Hotels

In a major step toward reducing plastic pollution, the Himachal Pradesh government has enforced a ban on the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) water bottles of up to 500 milliliters at all government programs and in hotels across the state, effective June 1, 2025.

The ban applies to all indoor official meetings, conferences and events organized by government departments, boards and corporations. It also extends to Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) hotels as well as private hotels operating in the state.

Organizers and establishments are encouraged to use sustainable alternatives such as glass bottles, stainless steel containers, water dispensers or kiosks.

This directive has been issued under Section 3-C(1) of the Himachal Pradesh Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995, as amended in 2023, in response to growing concerns about the environmental impact of plastic waste.

To ensure compliance, the state has introduced penalties ranging from ₹500 to ₹25,000 for violations. In addition, public and private transport vehicles, including taxis and tourist coaches, are now required to install dustbins. Non-compliance will attract a fine of ₹10,000, while littering biodegradable material can result in a ₹1,500 penalty.

This initiative aligns with Himachal Pradesh’s ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability and reduce the footprint of single-use plastics in ecologically sensitive areas.