Single-use plastic water bottles banned at govt offices

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Tuesday issued an order banning the usage of single-use plastic packaged water bottles at all official meetings and events across the state based on suggestions shared by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

A proposal regarding this had been drafted by the state environment department earlier. The department had pointed out that in the budget the government had also proposed to levy a 3% plastic management fee.

The latest order bans the usage of single-use water bottles at all government departments, offices, universities, and government-aided organisations.

The government agencies instead have to install drinking water dispensers and provide clean steel glasses and paper cups as an alternative. 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 components. 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 ith immediate effect.