Shimla: The Government of Himachal Pradesh has temporarily granted exemption for use of integrated plastic straws with tetra packs of beverages for six months. A spokesman for the state government said that the Action Alliance for Recycling Beverage Carton had requested the Himachal Pradesh government to provide exemption on the use of plastic straws integrated with tetra packs.
Tetra Pack India Private Limited, Action Alliance for Recycling Beverage Carton will have to implement the action plan submitted under the Extensive Producer Responsibility. Producers and manufacturers will have to bring biodegradable alternatives to plastic straws during this grace period. Notification has been issued recently in this regard.
He said that under the other provisions of the notification issued by the Department of Environment, Science and Technology on 20 September 2019, there will be a complete ban on the use of plastic cutlery such as spoons, bowls, forks, knives etc. He said that this notification will come into force with immediate effect.