Idukki, 30 July (H.S.):In a major step to curb plastic pollution and protect the fragile hill ecosystem, the Munnar Grama Panchayat has announced a complete ban on the sale and use of single-use plastic products and plastic bottles with a capacity of less than 500 ml from August 1.

Panchayat President S.V. Jayakumar said the initiative aims to effectively implement the Kerala High Court's June 2025 directive banning single-use plastic products with the cooperation of traders, residents and tourists. The campaign is intended to reduce plastic waste, which poses a significant threat to Munnar's environmentally sensitive landscape and tourism-driven economy.

The ban covers disposable plastic water bottles below 500 ml, soft drink bottles of similar capacity, plastic carry bags, paper plates, paper cups with plastic coating, drinking straws and other single-use plastic items commonly discarded after use. Commercial establishments found selling or stocking these prohibited products will face heavy penalties, and repeated violations could result in cancellation of their trade licences.

The panchayat has prescribed a graded penalty structure for offenders. Possessing or selling banned plastic products will attract a fine of ₹10,000 for the first offence, ₹25,000 for the second offence and ₹2.5 lakh for a third violation.

Separate penalties have also been introduced for improper waste disposal. Littering or burning plastic waste will invite a fine of ₹5,000, while dumping biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste in public places without segregating it will attract fines ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹10,000, depending on the nature and severity of the violation.

The panchayat hopes the stringent measures, coupled with community participation, will help preserve Munnar's ecological balance and promote sustainable tourism.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman