The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to key pollution control authorities following a petition that alleges large-scale violations of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, by manufacturers of gutkha, pan masala and other tobacco products.
What is the notice about?
The plea, filed by The Citizens Foundation, contends that despite a statutory ban, several companies continue to use plastic sachets and prohibited polymers for packaging. This, the petitioner argues, is in direct breach of environmental regulations that bar such materials for tobacco-related products.
A bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Dr. A. Senthil Vel has sought detailed responses from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). The matter has been posted for further hearing on 26 September 2025.
Citing CPCB directives issued in October 2021 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the petitioner claimed that action against at least 25 manufacturers remains largely unimplemented. These directives had called upon the companies to shift to sustainable packaging alternatives, furnish compliance timelines, and deposit environmental compensation with interest for any delays.
The petition further points to Rules 4(f) and 4(i) of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, which prohibit the use of plastic sachets and multilayered plastics for packaging gutkha and pan masala. Non-compliance, as per CPCB’s enforcement guidelines, may attract penalties including factory closures, seizure of goods, and fines ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000 per tonne of plastic used.
Environmental compensation
A CPCB report from January 2021, also referenced in the plea, outlines enforcement protocols under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. It notes that delays in paying environmental compensation may incur annual interest between 12–24%, with defaulters facing criminal prosecution if payments are overdue by more than three months.
In addition to seeking closure of non-compliant manufacturing units and recovery of damages, the Tribunal has directed the petitioner to serve notices to the remaining respondents and file an affidavit of service one week prior to the next hearing.