SHIMLA: In a bold move aimed at combating environmental degradation and visual pollution, the High Court of Himachal Pradesh has issued a groundbreaking order banning the use of plastic flexi banners by political parties, candidates, and government publicity wings across the state.
This landmark decision by the HP High Court's Division Bench of the justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and the Justice Sushil Kukreja comes as a response to the adverse environmental and health hazards posed by these non-biodegradable banners.
The court's directives leave no room for ambiguity, urging the Chief Secretary to the Government of Himachal Pradesh to take immediate action in implementing the ban.
Drawing inspiration from the proactive measures adopted by other states and cities such as Kerala, Karnataka, Nagaland, Maharashtra, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Pune, the court underscores the urgency of addressing the pressing issues of environmental degradation and visual clutter caused by plastic flexi banners.
Highlighting the environmental and health risks associated with these banners, including toxic pollution from burning, non-biodegradability, and potential leaching of toxins into soil and water, the court has left no doubt about the gravity of the situation.
It emphasizes the need for a swift and decisive response to mitigate these hazards and protect the well-being of citizens and the environment.
Furthermore, the court's order goes beyond just banning plastic flexi banners; it encourages the exploration and adoption of sustainable alternatives for advertising.
This includes promoting digital signage and biodegradable materials that are less harmful to the environment, signaling a paradigm shift towards eco-friendly practices in advertising and public communication.
With the Chief Secretary now tasked with evaluating the environmental impacts and considering the ban's implementation, the ball is firmly in the government's court.
The order leaves no room for hesitation or delay, signaling a clear mandate for action to clean up public spaces and safeguard the environment.
The implications of this order are far-reaching, especially in the run-up to elections, as political parties and candidates will have to find alternative means of advertising.
Moreover, government publicity wings will need to swiftly remove all plastic holdings from public spaces to comply with the court's directives.
As the Election Commission of India (ECI) grapples with the fallout of this monumental decision, it faces the daunting task of ensuring compliance with the ban and upholding environmental stewardship in Himachal Pradesh.
The stage is set for a dramatic shift towards more sustainable and visually appealing public spaces, as the ban on plastic flexi banners marks a significant step towards environmental conservation and responsible governance.
Advocate for the petitioner were Deven Khanna, who got the appreciation from the High Court. Also the Court appreciated the proactive role played by the member secretary, HP state pollution control board, Anil Joshi, IFS.
