In a move promoting both sustainability and local enterprise, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced a ban on the use of plastic water bottles across all state government offices, departments, and official programmes. The directive, issued on October 28, instructs every government wing to switch immediately to eco-friendly alternatives such as steel or glass bottles and refill systems.
At the same time, the Chief Minister has made it mandatory for all government meetings and events — from the state secretariat to district-level functions – to exclusively use Nandini products, produced by the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF). This measure is designed to strengthen the state’s cooperative dairy sector and highlight the value of local products in official settings.
To make the directive clearer, key elements include:
- Ban on single-use plastic bottles in all government offices and programmes.
- Mandatory use of Nandini milk, curd, and dairy products at every official function.
- Strict implementation of earlier sustainability advisories with immediate effect.
Environmental advocates have welcomed the step, calling it a significant move toward a low-waste, circular economy. The policy also serves as a strategic boost for local farmers and producers, aligning state governance with eco-friendly and community-driven practices.
By linking environmental action with regional economic support, Karnataka positions itself as a leader in sustainable governance — setting an example other states may soon follow.