Kerala HC Urges Pollution Control Board to Implement Permanent Action Plan for Plasticware Manufacturers

Kerala, Dec 9 (KNN) In a landmark ruling, the Kerala High Court has directed the State Pollution Control Board (PCB) to formulate a permanent action plan to ensure that manufacturers and producers of plastic products comply with the Plastic Waste Management Rules of 2016.

This directive comes as part of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) urging the government to clamp down on unregistered producers of plastic cups, plates, and other related items.

The Division Bench, consisting of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice S. Manu, emphasised that continuous monitoring is crucial to address the issue.

The Court mandated that the PCB, in collaboration with local authorities and the police, oversee this monitoring to prevent illegal production and sale of plastic products that violate environmental standards.

The ruling specifically refers to Rule 12 of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, which designates the PCB as the authority responsible for ensuring that manufacturers are properly registered, and that plastic items are processed, packaged, and disposed of in accordance with prescribed guidelines.

The Court underscored the importance of stringent enforcement and coordination between various agencies to curb the environmental damage caused by non-compliant producers.

In its order, the Court instructed the Pollution Control Board to file an affidavit outlining a detailed plan of action for stricter monitoring, including any assistance required from other authorities to ensure compliance.

The matter has been adjourned for further hearing on December 6, 2024, with the PCB expected to present its proposed strategy for tackling the issue.

The case, titled Sudhakaran K V v K Prabhakaran (WP(C) NO. 16253 OF 2023), was heard by the Court following a PIL filed by concerned citizens, led by Senior Advocate P.B. Sahasranaman.

The petitioners highlighted the urgent need to address illegal plastic production activities that undermine the state's waste management efforts.

This ruling underscores the judiciary's growing role in environmental governance, pressing for concrete measures to curb plastic waste and ensure compliance with national regulations.

(KNN Bureau)