Urgent Call for Discovering Eco-Friendly Substitutes Instead of Plastic by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister
In a bold move towards a sustainable and eco-friendly future, the Himachal Pradesh government has announced a comprehensive policy to phase out plastic usage and identify alternative materials. The state, which is already a pioneer in sustainable energy initiatives, aims to transform into a Green Energy State by March 31, 2026.
The policy, which includes a phased, complete ban on plastic, particularly polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles of up to 500 ml, is set to take effect on June 1, 2025. This ban will extend to all government offices, official functions, hotels (including Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation hotels), and government events.
To reduce plastic dependency, the government plans to distribute six lakh steel bottles to government schoolchildren and a total of 60 lakh stainless steel bottles to school students across the state. Strict enforcement and penalties for violations have also been imposed, with the launch of a "Single-Use Plastic Challan Mobile App" to crack down efficiently on illegal plastic use.
The government is also promoting green zones in various hilly regions, with strict action against plastic usage in these areas to preserve the environment. Industries are being encouraged to explore new options, and plastic usage will be phased out entirely.
The Chief Minister has emphasized the potential of using plastic for road construction. Infrastructure development for green corridors has begun in Himachal Pradesh, and the government is replacing government vehicles with electric ones within the next three years. A 50% subsidy is being offered on the purchase of electric buses, trucks, and taxis in the state to curtail carbon emissions and enhance income in the transportation sector.
The government is also actively working towards green hydrogen production, with promising results expected soon. To raise awareness among students, the government is promoting environmentally-focused subjects in the education system.
The Chief Minister has highlighted the impacts of climate change, such as changing weather patterns and increasing water crises across the country. To address these concerns, the government has prioritized environmental concerns by presenting a green budget and funding renewable energy efforts.
In a gesture to empower women, the Chief Minister provided solar lights to 20 Ekal Naris (single women) and distributed 9 Dona-Pattal machines to women self-help groups. Public awareness campaigns like cycle rallies and cleanliness drives involving students, volunteers, and citizens are being organized to spread awareness about plastic pollution and the importance of eco-friendly habits.
The Himachal Government is devising a comprehensive policy to identify alternative materials for plastic within a year. The state is actively working towards becoming a model for other states in sustainable practices and green energy production. The Chief Minister's commitment towards creating a sustainable and ecologically responsible greener future for the state is evident in these initiatives.
- The Himachal Pradesh government is planning to distribute six lakh steel bottles to government schoolchildren, encouraging a shift away from plastic bottles as part of their policy to phase out plastic usage.
- In the realm of environmental science, the government is actively working towards green hydrogen production, with promising results expected soon, as one of their renewable energy efforts.
- As a part of their policy-and-legislation focused on climate-change mitigation, the government is offering a 50% subsidy on the purchase of electric buses, trucks, and taxis in the state to reduce carbon emissions.
- To comply with the government's policy on plastic reduction, hotels and government events in Himachal Pradesh will turn to alternative materials following a comprehensive identification process within a year.
- In a bid to address climate change and its related concerns, such as changing weather patterns and water crises, the government has prioritized funding for renewable energy efforts and presented a 'green budget' that prioritizes environmental concerns.
