HC asks PIBOs to submit details of plastic waste generated from their products

SHIMLA, Himachal Pradesh: With an aim to protect the pristine environment of Himachal Pradesh, the state High Court has directed all Producers, Importers and Brand Owners (PIBOs) to submit the details of plastic waste generated from their products to the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) within a month.

The division bench of the High Court consisting of Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Sushil Kukreja has been hearing the matter of plastic waste management in the state. The bench directed the PIBOs to join hands with the urban local bodies (ULBs) and Gram Panchayats to chart the plan for effective collection, segregation, and processing of plastic waste via registered Plastic Waste Processors (PWPs) in Himachal.

It was brought to the court’s notice that the land is unavailable for building Solid Waste Management (SWM) facilities in most civic bodies. The court directed that the government must take immediate steps to make available these facilities. 

Civic bodies have been directed to deploy sufficient manpower to achieve 100 per cent waste segregation and collection. The Chief Secretary has also been asked to hold a meeting of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) along with Municipal commissioners and secretaries of the municipal councils to ensure that adequate resources, including finances, are available to the local authorities.

The Chief Secretary has also been directed to submit a compliance affidavit on or before May 6, 2024. Similarly, the Pollution Control Board, Director of Urban Development, District Magistrate of Shimla, and Commissioner of Municipal Corporations will file their action taken report by the next hearing.