PlasticBan – Chhattisgarh High Court Demands Accountability on Plastic Enforcement
PlasticBan – The Chhattisgarh High Court has taken a firm stand on the implementation of plastic ban laws across the state, directing the Chief Secretary to submit a personal affidavit detailing enforcement measures before the next hearing scheduled for May 13, 2026.
The direction was issued by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation related to the continued circulation of banned plastic products in the state.
PIL Raises Questions Over Enforcement Failures
The petition was filed by Raipur-based environmental activist Nitin Singhvi, who has been actively involved in wildlife conservation and environmental awareness initiatives for several years. Through the PIL, Singhvi sought strict and effective implementation of laws governing the use and disposal of plastic and non-biodegradable materials.
The plea referred to key legal provisions, including the Chhattisgarh Plastic and Other Non-Biodegradable Material (Regulation of Use and Disposal) Act, 2020, the Plastic Waste Management Rules, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986. According to the petition, despite multiple government notifications and restrictions issued over the years, banned plastic items continue to be widely available in markets across the state.
Concerns Over Administrative Inaction
During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel alleged that authorities responsible for enforcing plastic regulations had failed to take meaningful action. The petition claimed that agencies such as the Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board had shown limited effectiveness in curbing the production and distribution of prohibited plastic materials.
The court was informed that enforcement drives have largely targeted small vendors and roadside sellers, while larger manufacturing and supply networks allegedly continue operating without strict scrutiny. The petitioner argued that such measures fail to address the larger environmental challenge posed by plastic waste.
Environmental Impact Highlighted Before Court
The PIL also drew attention to the growing environmental damage linked to plastic pollution in urban and rural areas of Chhattisgarh. It pointed to issues such as blocked drainage systems, pollution of rivers and ponds, soil contamination, and risks to wildlife and vegetation caused by discarded plastic waste.
The petitioner stressed that unchecked plastic usage has become a serious ecological concern and called for a more coordinated enforcement mechanism to ensure long-term compliance with environmental laws.
Demand for High-Level Monitoring Committee
To improve implementation, the petition proposed the creation of a high-level monitoring committee headed by the Additional Chief Secretary. The suggested panel would supervise enforcement efforts, coordinate between departments, and prepare a structured action plan to eliminate the illegal sale and distribution of banned plastic products.
The High Court’s decision to seek a personal affidavit from the Chief Secretary is being viewed as a significant step toward ensuring administrative accountability in environmental matters. The matter will be heard again next week, indicating that the court intends to closely monitor developments in the case.