On June 17, 2025, a division bench of Justices Bechu Kurian Thomas and P. Gopinath issued a sweeping order banning single-use plastics at ten popular hilly tourist destinations—including Munnar, Thekkady, Vagamon, Nelliyampathy, Athirappally, and Sulthan Bathery—as well as at wedding halls, hotels, restaurants, and government functions across Kerala.

The ban becomes effective from October 2, 2025 (Gandhi Jayanti), giving the state time to set up systems and implementation mechanisms.

Plastic water bottles under 5 L

Soft drink bottles under 2 L

Plates, cups, straws, sachets, bakery boxes, and food containers

Note: Non-woven bags ≥ 60 GSM are temporarily exempt pending another case

The Chief Secretary, Local Self-Government Department, Kerala State Pollution Control Board, and state police will jointly oversee enforcement.

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