Srinagar, June 29: The Kulgam district administration on Monday stepped up enforcement of the ban on single-use plastic (SUP) items and polythene carry bags, ordering inspections, seizures and legal action against violators.
The move comes 10 days after the Ladakh administration imposed a similar ban on identified single-use plastic products across the Union Territory.
The directions were issued in a public notice by the Additional District Magistrate by order of the District Magistrate.
“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,” the order said.
The ban applies to shopkeepers, vendors, wholesalers, retailers, government offices, institutions and the general public.
The administration said the indiscriminate use of single-use plastic “poses a serious threat to the environment, public health, water bodies, chokes our drainage system, disturbs wildlife and causes ecological imbalance.”
“The prohibition is backed by the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (as amended), the J&K Non-Biodegradable Material (Management, Handling and Disposal) Act, 2007, and subsequent government notifications. It also cited the Centre’s May 18 notification empowering district collectors to implement the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026,” the order read.
Residents have been advised to use cloth, jute and paper bags and other eco-friendly alternatives.
“Any person or organization found violating the provisions of the ban shall be liable for action under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (as amended) and the EPA, 1986 and other relevant laws in force,” the order said.
Block Development Officers (BDO’s) and Executive Officers (EO’s) of Municipal Committees have been directed to inspect shops and marketplaces, seize banned plastic items and recommend action under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act.
They have also been asked to submit monthly compliance reports to the Deputy Commissioner’s office through the Additional District Development Commissioner.
