In a move to strengthen plastic waste management and curb roadside littering, the Department of Environment, Science, Technology & Climate Change, Government of Himachal Pradesh, has issued a notification mandating the installation of garbage bins in all public and private transport vehicles operating in the state.
This directive has been issued under the Himachal Pradesh Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995 and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to address increasing instances of waste being discarded onto roads and into drains—especially from tourist and transport vehicles.
🔹 Key Provisions of the Notification:
✅ Mandatory Garbage Bins in Vehicles
- All taxis, public transport (HRTC buses), and private transport vehicles (e.g., Volvo buses, trucks, tempo travelers) must install garbage bins for waste collection.
- Waste must be disposed of only at designated places—no littering is allowed on roads or in drains.
✅ Enforcement by Authorities
- Regional Transport Officers (RTOs), Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVIs), Bus Stand In-charges, and parking lot operators are responsible for ensuring compliance in their areas.
- Vehicles will be registered or passed by RTOs only after garbage bin installation is confirmed.
🚫 Penalties for Non-Compliance:
| Offence | Fine (INR) |
| Littering of Bio-degradable/non-biodegradable material as specified in the H.P. Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995 and one time use Compostable/ Biodegradable Plastic Carry bags and such items made of non-biodegradable, compostable/biodegradable plastic used for serving and consuming food (one time use plastic) by the all Taxi operators, public transport vehicles (HRTC, etc.) and owners/drivers of other private transport vehicles (Volvo Buses, Trucks and tempo travelers, etc.). | ₹1500 |
| Non installation/fixing of “Garbage Bin” in taxis/vehicles for public transport. | ₹10,000 |
The above penalties are enforceable under Section 11 of the HP Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act.
Authorized officers—including RTOs and MVIs—are empowered to inspect, compound offences, and impose penalties.
📅 Implementation Timeline:
- The notification comes into effect 30 days from its publication in the Rajpatra (e-Gazette), making it enforceable across entire Himachal Pradesh in the public interest.
This step aligns with Himachal Pradesh’s broader environmental goals to reduce plastic pollution, protect natural beauty, and promote eco-conscious tourism. Transporters and vehicle owners are advised to ensure prompt compliance to avoid penalties and support a cleaner state.
