Madras High Court Mandates Plastic-Free Milk Packaging in Nilgiris
The Madras High Court has issued a significant directive to Aavin, the state-owned milk co-operative society, compelling it to devise an alternative solution for distributing milk to consumers in hill stations, with a particular focus on the Nilgiris region. The court has mandated that this new method must utilize materials other than plastic sachets, addressing growing environmental concerns.
Court's Order and Environmental Impact
A special bench comprising Justice N Sathish Kumar and Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy delivered this order on Friday. The decision came after the court was presented with alarming data by amicus curiae and senior advocate T Mohan. He revealed that in the Nilgiris alone, over 60 lakh plastic sachets are generated daily through milk distributed by Aavin.
Expressing shock at this submission, the bench calculated that this translates to more than 18 crore plastic sachets annually, highlighting a severe environmental hazard. Mohan further informed the court that Aavin had previously committed to supplying milk in glass bottles as early as 2013, even initiating tender processes for this purpose, but failed to follow through effectively.
Alternative Solutions and Existing Bans
In response to these revelations, the bench has directed Aavin to promptly develop and implement an alternative packaging solution to replace plastic sachets. This move aims to curb plastic pollution in ecologically sensitive areas like the Nilgiris.
The court also addressed the existing ban on selling drinking water in PET bottles. It was noted that some vendors have begun using Tetra Pak containers as a substitute. However, the bench clarified that the ban extends to poly-coated or plastic-coated Tetra Paks, paper packs, and multi-layered packs, deeming them potentially more dangerous than PET bottles due to their complex composition.
The judges emphasized, "The ban imposed against PET bottles would apply in all force for poly-coated/plastic-coated Tetra Paks, paper packs, and multi-layered packs. As a matter of fact, the Tetra and other plastic-coated packs will be even more dangerous than the PET bottles."
Enforcement and Penalties
The court has instructed authorities to enforce this ban rigorously, applying it to all vendors, including those selling items other than water. It stated, "We even directed the vendors of items other than water to find alternatives for such packs. Therefore, there is no question of using the same as far as water is concerned. It is made clear that the authorities shall enforce the ban with reference to such facts."
In cases of violation, authorities are empowered to seize the prohibited packs and seal the premises, mirroring actions taken against violators of the PET bottle ban. This strict enforcement underscores the court's commitment to reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment in Tamil Nadu's hill stations.
