Strict ban on single use plastic and littering in public places in Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena issued strict instructions

A strict ban on single-use plastic and littering in public places has come into force in Ladakh. Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has issued strict instructions in this regard. Violation of this will attract heavy fine. Now using, selling single use plastic and spreading garbage in public places in Ladakh will be costly.

A fine of Rs 10,000 will be imposed for violation of rules

Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena has ordered a strict ban on identified single-use plastic items in the Union Territory of Ladakh. Under the new rules, an environmental fine of Rs 10,000 will be imposed on individuals, business establishments, hotels, restaurants and other institutions violating the single-use plastic ban.

A penalty of Rs 5,000 will be imposed for throwing garbage

A fine of Rs 5,000 will have to be paid for spreading garbage in public places. Apart from this, single use plastic will also be checked at the entry points of Leh Airport and Ladakh. This step has been taken with the aim of saving the fragile Himalayan environment of Ladakh and maintaining the natural beauty of the tourist destinations. Due to increasing tourism, the environment of the area is being harmed due to plastic waste and open littering.

Under the ban, these items will be banned-

• Plastic cutlery (spoons, forks, etc.)
• Plastic Cups, Plates and Straws
• plastic tray
• packing/wrapping film
• thermocol decorative material
• plastic flags
• plastic stirrer
• plastic banner less than prescribed thickness

CCTV will also be examined to catch the culprits

For the first time, the Lieutenant Governor has also given powers to take action to district and field level officers. Now officers will be able to investigate, identify violations, issue challans and take action to collect fines. Officers will be able to use surprise checks, photo and video recordings, CCTV footage and other electronic evidence during the inspection.

Officials authorized to take action against violators include-

• SDM
• Tehsildar
• executive magistrate
• Ladakh Pollution Control Committee officials
• Assistant Director of Tourism Department
• District Panchayat Officer
• BDO
• Executive Officers of Municipal Committees
• forest department officer
• Members of Environment Protection Force

The aim is to promote responsible tourism in Ladakh

Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena said that the aim of banning single-use plastic and littering is to promote responsible tourism in Ladakh, so that the beautiful natural landscapes here remain clean and safe. He appealed to the local people and tourists not to damage the natural beauty of Ladakh and cooperate in environmental protection.

Ladakh’s natural beauty is its greatest heritage.

He said, “Ladakh’s clean environment and natural beauty is our greatest heritage. Along with development, environmental responsibility is also important. Strict action against single-use plastic and waste is not just a rule, but a commitment to save the ecological heritage of Ladakh.”

Plastic does not destroy for a long time

Ladakh is famous worldwide for its high mountains, glaciers, wetlands and unique biodiversity. But the delicate environment here can be greatly affected by plastic pollution. Plastic does not decompose for a long time and harms soil, water and natural resources. Burning of plastic waste releases toxic gases, which pose a threat to humans, animals and wildlife.