Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha election, which is expected to witness heavy outdoor promotions, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the Election Commission, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Union Environment Ministry, to guide political parties on minimal usage of PVC and flex material for their promotions. The communication was done by the NGT in the wake of the ban on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) hoardings, banners and flexes during election campaigns.

Instead of PVC, composite plastic and eco-friendly materials have been recommended. Also, a notification has been issued stating that the party or party representative found using harmful material for branding would be held accountable and required to compensate for the litter caused.

A media report said that a letter was sent to the MoEF& CC Secretary seeking ban by all state governments and the Election Commission on the use of PVC hoardings, banners and flexes during the political campaigning, which had reportedly received no response yet from the ministry.