Big step for environment: This state to ban plastic bottles soon

Bengaluru (The Uttam Hindu): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered a strict ban on the use of plastic water bottles in all government offices and meetings across the state. Only eco-friendly materials will be used for drinking purposes at all government events and offices, reducing plastic waste and promoting environmental protection.

A big step towards environmental protection, this state has decided to ban plastic bottles: The Chief Minister said that such instructions have been issued earlier as well, but now this rule will be strictly implemented. All the department heads have been asked to ensure the implementation of this order in their respective departments and issue necessary guidelines for this immediately. Also, taking another important decision, Siddaramaiah has made it mandatory to use 'Nandini' brand dairy and food products of Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), a public sector body of the state, in government meetings, programmes and all government offices including the Secretariat. Now tea, coffee, milk and other dairy products will be available only from 'Nandini' in these events.

The government says these steps will not only protect the environment but also strengthen the state's local dairy industry. All departments have been instructed to strictly follow the order and enforce it at every meeting and event.

Siddaramaiah said, "All government offices and official meetings across the state should use eco-friendly materials for drinking water instead of plastic bottles. All necessary steps should be taken to strictly enforce this directive." He also directed all departments to make "mandatory use of Nandini products from the state-owned Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF)" in the secretariat and other government functions.