Now, state bans plastic water bottles in govt offices

After banning the usage of plastic carry bags, plates and spoons, the state government on Friday banned single-use plastic water bottles in all
government offices.

DH was the first to report this issue on August 5 under the headline - “Glass to replace plastic water bottles in govt offices”. The report had stated that the government had started the exercise, on an experimental basis, in many government departments in Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Soudha.

Plastic water bottles were not used in Indira canteens also.

The proposal was drafted by the Environment department. The department had pointed out that in the budget the government had also proposed to levy a 3% plastic management fee.

According to the orders, the single-use water bottles have been banned in all government departments, offices, universities, government-aided organisations. The government agencies instead have to install drinking water dispensers and provide clean steel glasses and paper cups.

The order also noted that earlier a ban was imposed on plastic cups, plates and carry bags because they pose environmental and health hazards. Plastic bottles were not included as they came under integral packaging component. But now it has been noted that since there was no ban on single-use plastic bottles, they were littered everywhere. They made cities look ugly and pose environmental hazards.

It was also noted that a lot of water was being wasted. The state government was also facing huge financial losses as they had to be purchased for all government functions and events. Thus the government has banned using plastic water bottles with immediate effect.