The government of the Indian hill state of Himachal Pradesh has decided to do away with plastic liquor bottles beginning 1 April. Last year the government imposed a partial ban on PET liquor bottles, according to Bhim Sen, principal secretary for excise and taxation, in a telephone interview from the state capital of Shimla. The aim, he said, is to reduce the use of plastics in day-to-day life. "Plastic and PET bottles have been completely banned. Till last year it was 50 per cent each for plastic and glass bottles," Sen said. "Besides environmental issues, the move would also curb smuggling of liquor in PET bottles, which much easier compared to smuggle it in glass bottles." Earlier, the state government also banned single-use polyethylene carry bags. It also launched a campaign called "Polythene Hatao Paryavaran Bachao" (Remove Polythene Save Environment) on Earth Day to raise awareness of the issue. The state government has also decided to ban on use of plastic plates and cups starting 15 August.
