Sat Oct 25 09:35:36 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
Madras High Court Orders Meeting to Tackle Plastic Waste in Western Ghats
CHENNAI, October 25, 2025 – The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to hold a meeting with key stakeholders, including brand owners of food and beverage products, to address the pressing issue of plastic waste accumulation in the Western Ghats. A special Division Bench, comprised of Justices N. Sathish Kumar and D. Bharatha Chakravarthy, has instructed the Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department secretary to convene the meeting by November 14, 2025, and submit a status report on the discussions by November 21, 2025.
The court emphasized the necessity of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) chairperson’s presence at the meeting, encouraging the secretary to invite officials from relevant government departments, including Forest, Food and Consumer Protection, and Health and Family Welfare. Amici curiae assisting the court on environmental matters were also invited to share their perspectives.
The judges reminded brand owners of their responsibilities under the Plastic Waste Management Rules of 2016 and urged them to explore innovative, plastic-free packaging alternatives for products sold in the Western Ghats region, particularly in areas like the Nilgiris and Kodaikanal. As an alternative, they suggested that shopkeepers could transfer goods from plastic packaging into disposable paper or butter paper before selling them to customers. Brand owners could then collect the used plastic for recycling.
The court underscored the primary responsibility of brand owners to ensure the safe disposal of plastic waste, offering the meeting as an opportunity for them to proactively address the issue. The bench expressed hope that a consensus would be reached, leading to the prompt implementation of effective waste management strategies.
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