Munnar panchayat to implement plastic ban from July

Wild elephants consuming plastic-filled garbage at a waste processing plant run by Munnar panchayat in Kallar. | Photo credit: (File) JOMON PAMPAVALLEY

In a bid to curb plastic pollution, the Munnar panchayat has decided to implement a strict plastic ban in the hill station from July 1.

According to Munnar panchayat president S. Vijayakumar, the initiative will be phased. “In the initial phase, the panchayat will ban the use of single-use plastic and water bottles up to 500 ml in the hill station. Tourists will not be allowed to throw plastic here. The ban will be strictly enforced from July 1,” he said.

Mr. Vijayakumar noted that waste disposal is a major threat to the hill station, with plastic dumping being a major problem. “Without addressing plastic waste dumping, we cannot effectively manage waste processing in Munnar,” he added.

To help tourists avoid plastic water bottles, the panchayat will introduce water ATMs in various parts of the city to ensure access to clean drinking water. Tourists will be able to buy one liter of water for ₹5. The construction of two water ATMs – built at a cost of ₹ 4,000 each – has already been completed and will be officially launched soon. If the project proves successful, the panchayat plans to install more ATMs all over the hill station.

The President further said that the panchayat plans to enforce the ban along with the neighboring Devikulam panchayat. “A meeting with the Devikulam panchayat authorities is scheduled for Monday,” he said.

Besides, both Munnar and Devikulam panchayats have already decided to collect surcharge from tourist vehicles starting from Onam holiday.

To address other local issues, a Transport Advisory Committee meeting was convened in Munnar on 11 June to discuss transport-related issues. During a recent visit, Tourism and Culture Minister PC Vishnunadh assured the authorities of his support in ensuring the smooth functioning of tourism in Munnar.

Published – June 6, 2026 8:43 PM IST