Umaisar Gull Ganie
Kulgam, Jun 29: The district administration Kulgam on Monday ordered strict enforcement of the ban on single-use plastic (SUP) items and polythene carry bags across the district, directing field officers to inspect markets, seize banned plastic items and initiate legal action against violators.
According to an order, a copy of which is in possession of the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the manufacture, stocking, sale, distribution, transportation and use of banned polythene carry bags and single-use plastic items have been strictly prohibited within district Kulgam.
The order reads, “The manufacture, stocking, sale, distribution, transportation and use of banned polythene carry bags and single-use plastic items are strictly prohibited within the district Kulgam. All shopkeepers, vendors, wholesale dealers, retailers, institutions, Government offices and the general public shall make compliance with the ban.”
The administration said the indiscriminate use of single-use plastic poses a serious threat to the environment, public health, water bodies and wildlife, besides choking drainage systems and causing ecological imbalance. It also advised the public to use eco-friendly alternatives such as cloth, jute and paper bags.
The order further states, “Any person or organization found violating the provisions of the ban shall be liable for action under the provisions of Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (as amended) and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and other relevant laws in force.”
It further reads, “The Block Development Officers and Executive Officers of Municipal Committees are hereby directed to inspect shops and market places, seize single-use plastic items and recommend cases of violators for action under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act and rules framed thereunder within their respective jurisdictions.”
The order also directs Executive Officers of Municipal Committees and Block Development Officers to submit monthly compliance reports to the Additional District Development Commissioner, who will forward a consolidated report to the Office of the Deputy Commissioner.
The administration said the directions have been issued to ensure effective implementation of the Plastic Waste Management Rules and to curb the use of banned plastic items across the district—(KNO)
