Gujarat High Court Asks Municipal Corporations to Install Cloth Bag Vending Machines at Tourist Spots

The Gujarat High Court has directed eight municipal corporations and municipalities managing tourist spots like Dwarka and Somnath to install cloth bag vending machines and reverse vending machines for plastic bottle collection, with a view to encouraging plastic waste disposal and recycling.

A bench urged authorities to adopt eco-friendly initiatives similar to Ahmedabad and Surat, as per the Gujarat Pollution Control Board’s model.

The order came while hearing a PIL on plastic waste management near temples on Girnar hill. The Court also stressed the need for public awareness campaigns and strict compliance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. The matter will be heard next on September 12.