HC ban on small plastic bottles irks stakeholders

A SWEEPING ban by the High Court on the sale of bottled drinking water under 5 litres and soft beverages in bottles below two litres has drawn sharp criticism from multiple corners as traders and customers termed it an impractical decision.

- SHAINU MOHAN @T'Puram

Hotels, restaurants and packaged drinking water and beverage industries in the state felt the move was ill-conceived and could adversely affect business. With the order set to come into effect on October 2, stakeholders across the state have slammed the move as impractical, and issued without a proper study. According to them, the order will deprive the public of safe and accessible drinking water.