Seal The Shops Selling Banned Plastic Items : Madras High Court Directs Nilgiris District Collector

The Madras High Court on Friday directed the District Collector, Nilgiris to conduct surprise inspection and whenever they find any shop selling banned plastic items, the authorities shall close and seal the shop immediately.

Justice V Bharatidasan and Justice N. Sathish Kumar were hearing a batch of pleas concerning the protection of western ghats area.

Previously, in 2019, water ATMs were installed throughout the district to quench the thirst of tourists and to help reduce the amount of plastic waste.

When asked if these water ATMs were functional, the Collector reported that there are 66 water ATMs in Nilgiris District. He further reported that one person has been appointed per ATM to look after its functioning and to maintain it.

He also stated that action has been taken to set up 64 new water ATMs.

The bench replied that they would like to personally see all the ATMs functional and new ATMs installed on physical inspection to be conducted on 8th April.

The District Collector further stated that in respect of selling banned plastic, in February and March, the authorities have been conducting surprise inspection and imposing fine on all shops violating order and selling banned plastic bottles. However, despite their best efforts some shopkeepers are still selling banned plastic items including water bottles.

Hearing this, the Court directed the Collector to seal such shops in the future.

"Imposing fine will not deter the shopkeepers from selling plastic bottles, therefore, we direct the authorities to conduct surprise inspection and whenever they find any shop selling banned plastic items, the authorities are directed to close and seal the said shop immediately," the court said.

Additional Advocate General J. Ravindran and Special Government Pleader (Forest) Dr. T Sreenivasan represented the state in the pleas.

The matter stands posted to 13.04.22 for passing further orders.