Ladakh Bans Single-Use Plastics and Littering Across the Union Territory

Ladakh Bans Single-Use Plastics and Littering Across the Union Territory

¨     The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh has ordered a ban on identified single-use plastic (SUP) items and littering across the Union Territory of Ladakh.

¨     The order applies to individuals, commercial establishments, hotels, and eateries.

¨     It includes environmental penalties and inspection powers for enforcement.

¨     Single-use plastics (SUPs) are plastic products designed for one-time use before disposal.

¨     Banned items include plastic cutlery, cups, plates, straws, trays, wrapping films, plastic stirrers, plastic flags, plastic banners below the prescribed thickness, and thermocol decorations.

¨     Violating the single-use plastic ban will attract an environmental penalty of ₹10,000.

¨     Littering in public places will attract a separate fine of ₹5,000.

¨ Designated district and field-level officials are authorised to inspect premises, detect violations, issue challans, and recover penalties.

¨  Enforcement measures include inspections, surprise checks, videography, photography, CCTV footage, and other admissible electronic evidence.

¨     Random checks for banned single-use plastic items will be conducted at Leh Airport and other major entry points into Ladakh to prevent their inflow and use.