Sikkim: Ban on use, sale of plastic water bottles of capacities of 2 litres and below implemented

Move is part of state government’s efforts to ensure clean and safe environment

Bamboo water bottles in Gangtok.: File Picture

Rajeev Ravidas   |   TT  |  Siliguri   |   02.01.22  : The ban on the use, manufacture, import and sale of plastic water bottles of capacities of 2 litres and below came into effect in Sikkim from New Year’s Day as part of the Himalayan state government’s efforts to ensure a clean and safe environment.

The decision to ban water bottles was announced by chief minister P.S. Tamang (Golay) in early October and its notification issued on Wednesday. However, unlike initially assumed, it is not a blanket ban on packaged mineral water, but only on bottles of 2 litres and below.

Citing laws on environment protection, the notification issued by Sikkim’s forests and environment department states: “… the State Government hereby imposes ban on the use, manufacture, import and sale of plastic water bottles of capacity 2 litres and below w.e.f. 1st January 2022 in the State of Sikkim.”  

The notification said since health hazards caused by environmental pollution were rampant and given that its main cause is human activities, the government felt the need to put a halt to such further damage with “wise and carefully planned” initiatives. “The solid waste generated and health hazards due to plastic water bottles are detrimental to the health of the life on earth and environment as a whole,” it noted.

Justifying the ban, the chief minister said Sikkim was blessed with natural resources that provide fresh and good drinking water. “Sikkim is rich in natural water resources and all requirements for water can be met within the state through environment-friendly initiatives,” he had said, giving three months to business establishments to deplete the existing stock of mineral water bottles.

Some, however, questioned the practical aspects of the ban. “Tourists move from one spot to the other and need to carry water with them. They can’t possibly carry a plastic jar of 5 litres. Many are averse to drinking tap water... I am not certain if the ban is well thought out,” said a hotelier.

Tourist hotspots like Lachen and Lachung in North Sikkim have already banned packaged water bottles. Also, the use of plastic bags and wrappers, packaged drinking water bottles in government meetings and functions, sale and use of plastic bags with less than 50 microns thickness and single use plastic items in all forms had already been banned by the government.

(https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/sikkim-ban-on-use-sale-of-plastic-water-bottles-of-capacities-of-2-litres-and-below-implemented/cid/1845799)