Littering will attract a fine of Rs 5,000. Apart from this, random checking for single-use plastics will be done at Leh airport and entry points in Ladakh.
Ladakh bans single-use plastics, penalty up to Rs 10,000: Single-use plastic in public places has been banned in Ladakh. Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has issued strict directives regarding this. Violation of this will now attract heavy fines.
Lt. Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena on Friday has ordered a strict ban on marked single-use plastic items and littering across Ladakh. It aims to protect the Union Territory’s fragile ecology and keep its landscapes clean and unspoilt. Now, an environmental fine of Rs 10,000 will be imposed on any person or commercial establishment (such as hotels/restaurants) found violating the ban on single-use plastic. Littering will attract a fine of Rs 5,000. Apart from this, random checking for single-use plastics will be done at Leh airport and entry points in Ladakh.
These items will be prohibited under the ban-
Plastic cutlery (spoon, fork etc.)
Plastic cups, plates and straws
Plastic tray
Packing/wrapping film
Thermocol decorative material
Plastic flags
Plastic stirrer
Plastic banners of less than specified thickness
For the first time, the Lt. Governor has also empowered district and field-level officials to take action. Officials will now be able to conduct investigations, identify violations, issue challans, and collect fines. During the inspection, officers will be able to use unannounced checks, photo and video recordings, CCTV footage, and other electronic evidence.
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