In a move to protect the fragile ecology of the Western Ghats, the Madras High Court has imposed a ban on the manufacture, storage, supply, transport, sale, and distribution of 28 plastic products across Tamil Nadu’s Western Ghats — from the Nilgiris to the Agasthiyar Biosphere in Kanniyakumari district. The court’s decision was made while disposing of petitions seeking a ban on plastic in the Nilgiris. The bench emphasised the urgent need to conserve the biodiversity and natural habitat of this ecologically sensitive region. 

Banned items and fines 
The list of banned items includes single-use PET bottles used for water and juice, cling film and plastic sheets used for food wrapping or dining tables, plastic plates, plastic-coated paper plates and cups, teacups, tumblers, thermocol cups, plastic carry bags, water pouches, packets, straws, plastic flags, and all forms of plastic cutlery. According to reports, individuals will be fined Rs 500 the first time they are found in violation and Rs 1000 for repeat offences. 

Eco-friendly alternatives 
As an eco-friendly alternative, the court suggested using biodegradable materials, such as leaf or clay plates, for food distribution. Vendors have been instructed to open packaged goods and hand them over to customers in paper or other biodegradable packaging. This order was passed by a special Division Bench comprising Justices N. Sathish Kumar and D. Bharatha Chakravarthy. The judgment consolidates previous government orders from 2018 and 2024, as well as a High Court directive issued in 2019.

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