Pan Masala Manufacturers Face NGT Notice for Violating Plastic Waste Rules

 

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to several pan masala, gutka, and tobacco product manufacturers for non-compliance with plastic waste management rules. The action comes after complaints that these manufacturers are using banned plastic packaging materials and have failed to register under the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules.

The notices have been sent to companies operating in Uttar Pradesh as well as to the Central Government, CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board), UPPCB (Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board), and various manufacturers. The NGT directed them to submit their responses.

The Issue

Advocate Jitendra Prakash Shrivastava, an environmental activist, filed a petition alleging that several pan masala companies are violating the rules by not registering with the central portal for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). The companies allegedly continue to use multilayer plastic and aluminum-coated packets, which are not permitted under PWM regulations.

Despite repeated government directives, the companies have not complied, and the NGT observed that manufacturers are neglecting environmental standards and creating health hazards by using packaging that is not recyclable or biodegradable.

Key Points Raised

• The manufacturers failed to follow the Supreme Court’s order from August 3.
• They are selling products in banned packaging materials.
• No clear action had been taken against these violations until the NGT notice.
• The next hearing is scheduled for September 26, where the Ministry of Environment, CPCB, UPPCB, and pan masala companies must submit replies.

Environmental Concern

The NGT emphasized that gutka and pan masala packaging poses a major environmental threat due to microplastic pollution and contributes heavily to urban and rural waste.