Kerala High Court Seeks Detailed Reports on Plastic Ban Enforcement in Forest Areas
The Kerala High Court has taken a proactive stance in addressing environmental concerns by directing circle officers from the state forest department to provide comprehensive details regarding the implementation of measures to curb the use of single-use plastic items within protected natural habitats. This judicial intervention comes as a response to growing apprehensions about plastic pollution threatening the ecological balance of the state's pristine forest regions.
Petition Spurs Judicial Action Against Plastic Pollution
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V M Syam Kumar, issued this significant directive while hearing a petition filed by A G Sunil Kumar, who serves as the secretary of the Ernakulam District Scouts and Guides Fellowship. The petition explicitly called for a complete prohibition on plastic materials within wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and various forest areas across Kerala. This legal move underscores the increasing public and judicial awareness regarding the detrimental impact of plastic waste on biodiversity and natural ecosystems.
Government's Circular and Court's Specific Directives
In response to the petition, the state government presented the instructions previously issued by the chief conservator of forests to all circle officers, both territorial and wildlife-focused. These instructions mandate strict adherence to a circular dated December 13, 2025, which outlines seven specific items that must be enforced to eliminate plastic usage in these sensitive zones. The circular serves as a foundational document guiding the department's efforts to combat plastic pollution.
The High Court has now mandated that all circle officers submit affidavits within eight weeks, detailing the concrete steps they have taken to comply with this circular. Additionally, the chief conservator of forests is required to file a separate affidavit, disclosing the overall progress and actions undertaken by all circle officers in alignment with the circular's directives. This dual requirement ensures accountability at both individual and departmental levels, fostering a transparent and effective enforcement mechanism.
Wide-Ranging Impact on Protected Areas
The court's order encompasses a broad spectrum of protected areas, including:
- National parks
- Tiger reserves
- Wildlife sanctuaries
- General forest areas across the state
This comprehensive coverage highlights the urgency of addressing plastic pollution not only in well-known conservation zones but also in lesser-known forest tracts that are equally vital for environmental sustainability. The focus on single-use plastic bags and other plastic items reflects a targeted approach to mitigating one of the most pervasive forms of pollution affecting natural habitats.
Next Steps and Future Proceedings
The High Court has adjourned the petition to April 8, allowing sufficient time for the circle officers and the chief conservator of forests to compile and submit their detailed affidavits. This timeline provides a structured framework for monitoring compliance and evaluating the effectiveness of the implemented measures. The court's involvement is expected to catalyze more rigorous enforcement and inspire similar initiatives in other regions, contributing to broader environmental conservation efforts in India.
This judicial directive marks a significant step towards strengthening environmental governance and protecting Kerala's rich biodiversity from the scourge of plastic pollution. By holding forest officials accountable and ensuring transparent reporting, the High Court aims to foster a culture of responsibility and proactive conservation within the state's forest management framework.
