Report by Swati
Nainital 25 July 2026
High Court expresses concern over plastic waste in glaciers, pilgrimage sites and urban areas during hearing of environmental PIL.The Uttarakhand High Court has expressed concern over the growing threat of plastic pollution across the state, particularly in glaciers, pilgrimage sites and ecologically fragile regions, while hearing a public interest litigation seeking a complete ban on single-use plastics.The matter relates to WPPIL No. 82 of 2026, filed by environmentalist and former District Ayurvedic Officer Dr. Ashutosh Pant. The petition was heard on July 24 before a Division Bench of the High Court at Nainital. Dr. Pant was represented by advocates Puran Singh Rawat and Abhishek Rawat, and the court also permitted the petitioner to address the Bench.During the hearing,Dr Pant urged the court to direct the state government to impose a complete ban on the manufacture and use of single-use plastics, arguing that plastic pollution cannot be effectively controlled unless production is stopped.“Unless the manufacture of single-use plastic is banned, polythene will continue to reach the market. If we want to eliminate plastic waste, we must stop it at its source,”Dr Pant said.The petitioner argued that discarded plastic has become a major contributor to clogged drainage systems, resulting in severe waterlogging in towns and cities during rainfall. He also warned that plastic waste has spread from urban areas to remote Himalayan regions, including Gangotri, Yamunotri and alpine meadows.Dr Pant further highlighted scientific studies indicating the presence of microplastics in groundwater, oceans, glaciers and the human body, calling it an emerging public health concern in addition to an environmental crisis.The High Court directed the petitioner to submit detailed recommendations to the Chief Secretary within one week for consideration by the state government. The matter has been posted for further hearing in September.Welcoming the court’s direction, Dr Pant said stricter enforcement against littering must be complemented by greater public awareness.Rules alone cannot solve the problem. Every citizen has a responsibility to reduce plastic use and dispose of waste responsibly. Public participation is essential to protect Uttarakhand’s fragile environment,” he said.
