Kerala government is preparing to enforce a ban on plastic drinking water bottles and other single-use plastics at weddings, restaurants, hotels, and major tourist destinations. The move, which stems from a directive by the High Court, signals a renewed commitment to sustainability in one of India’s most ecologically sensitive states.As per officials, the ban will initially cover drinking water packaged in plastic bottles of less than five litres.
It will also include takeaway boxes, soft drink bottles below two litres, plastic straws, disposable plates, and food containers commonly used by bakeries and catering services.While Kerala has already outlawed single-use plastic items such as carry bags, the enforcement of that rule has been lacklustre. Officials attribute its limited success to non-cooperation from traders, widespread hoarding, and general public apathy. The proposed ban seeks to correct that by targeting high-footfall venues and institutions where plastic consumption is excessive but manageable with alternatives.
State authorities are planning phased deliberations to streamline the implementation. A high-level core committee is scheduled to meet early next week, followed by a consultation with local body chairpersons in early July. The goal is to identify the on-ground challenges and logistics involved in executing the ban and explore the possibility of extending it beyond the 10 hilly tourist destinations already listed by the court.
A state minister confirmed that the plastic bottle prohibition will also extend to wedding halls and hotels, adding that regulating only specific locations would offer minimal impact unless a comprehensive framework is adopted. A broader approach is being considered to discourage the use of plastic altogether and promote long-term behavioural change.One of the core concerns for the state is ensuring access to drinking water in public places once the ban takes effect. Discussions are underway to develop infrastructure for clean and accessible drinking water across tourist spots and large public venues to discourage dependency on single-use plastic packaging.
Experts and environmentalists view this policy direction as a long-overdue and necessary intervention. Kerala, with its lush backwaters, hill stations, and booming tourism sector, faces increasing ecological strain from plastic waste—particularly in areas with weak waste collection systems. Unchecked plastic use not only chokes natural habitats but also pollutes rivers and coastal belts, threatening biodiversity and public health.Kerala’s shift towards stricter plastic regulation also aligns with broader national and global sustainability goals. While India’s plastic waste management rules have been tightened over the past few years, localised efforts like this one are critical to bridging policy with implementation.
If executed effectively, Kerala could become a model for other states seeking to phase out plastic and embrace more sustainable event and tourism management practices. The success of the initiative, however, will depend not only on government action but also on citizen participation and industry cooperation.
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Kerala Moves to Ban Plastic Water Bottles at Events
