The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to the Centre seeking its response on the enforcement of Plastic Waste Management Rules against manufacturers of gutkha, pan masala, and tobacco products.

A bench comprising NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A Senthil Vel took note of submissions made by advocate Anuj Aggarwal, representing the petitioner, who alleged that several provisions of the Plastic Waste Management Rules are being flouted by these manufacturers.

According to the counsel, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had issued directions in October 2021 to 25 manufacturers, instructing them to shut down operations unless they adopted environmentally safe alternatives. However, these directions have reportedly not been complied with.

The bench, in its order dated May 30, referred to specific violations cited by the petitioner, including the continued use of plastic sachets for storing and selling gutkha, pan masala, and tobacco — a practice explicitly prohibited under the rules. It was also highlighted that plastic materials such as vinyl acetate, maleic acid, and vinyl chloride copolymer continue to be used in packaging despite the ban.

Further, the petition pointed out that the manufacturers are allegedly failing to comply with the Extended Producers’ Responsibility (EPR) provisions under the rules, which mandate responsible disposal and end-of-life management of plastic packaging. Despite provisions for penal action — including product seizure, unit closure, and fines — no enforcement steps have reportedly been taken.

Observing that the plea raises significant environmental concerns, the tribunal stated, “The original application raises substantial issues relating to compliance with environmental norms. Issue notice to the respondents.”

The matter will next be heard on September 26. Respondents include the Union government, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), and several manufacturers of pan masala and supari.