The Kerala High Court last week flagged the rampant use of plastic bottles at marriage functions and questioned the lack of enforcement of the ban ordered by the State on such bottles [Suo Motu v State of Kerala & ors].The Division Bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas and Justice P Gopinath was hearing a suo motu case on waste management issues in the state.The Court considered the government's report on banning plastic in hilly stations and also raised a concern related to overall waste disposal in the State.During the previous hearing, the Bench had mooted a ban on single-use plastic in hilly areas to prevent environmental degradation in tourist hotspots and had directed the government to propose a strategy, citing the successful implementation of a similar ban by the Madras High Court in Tamil Nadu..Special Secretary of the Local Self Government Department (LSGD), Anupama TV IAS presented a report on waste disposal mechanism. However, Justice Gopinath questioned the effectiveness of the ban on small plastic water bottles and asked, "For small bottles there is already a ban in place, how do we ensure that it is effectively enforced because we see small bottles in every functions now. How do we implement this?"The Court particularly took serious note of the rampant use of small plastic water bottles at marriage functions across Kerala and observed that use of such bottles should be avoided.In response, Anupama informed the Court that gatherings of over 100 people require a license from the local government and that a ban is already in place for plastic water bottles below 500 ml.However, the Court was also told that a statewide enforcement review revealed over 100 violations, prompting the government to consider an online reporting system where citizens can report infractions by uploading photos of violations, leading to fines.Anupama also highlighted that the State has plans to increase the number of district-level 'enforcement squads' to monitor such violations.At this, Justice Bechu suggested that small plastic bottles should be replaced with alternatives like glass bottles. "These small bottles are creating havoc and can easily have an alternative by using glass bottles," the judge remarked ..The Court also considered the issue of plastic waste generated by Vande Bharat trains in Kerala, particularly plastic water bottles being disposed of by trains on railway tracks.The Court sought a response from the Railways on their waste disposal mechanisms and suggested the local authorities to issue notices for removal of the waste generated in trains."Local authorities should be issuing notices to the Railway to remove such wastes, they are bound to remove, they cannot have these wastes dumped in the railway tracks. Ensure that tracks are free of waste. As a bulk waste generator, you owe a duty to the public and to the legal system," Justice Bechu told the counsel representing Railways.The Court also raised the issue of lack of public sanitation facilities in Kerala. It referred to Australia's roadside urinals made of stainless steel with limited water usage and suggested setting up similar small, hygienic urinals across Kerala.It added that that such facilities are necessary for both men and women to maintain hygiene and proper waste disposal..The Court adjourned the matter to March 28, directing the government and Railways to respond to the issues raised.Special Secretary Anupama TV IAS, representing the Local Self-Government Department appeared in person before the Court.
