Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology, Chaudhary Lal Singh along with a team of officers from State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) today raided several markets in Jammu city and seized about 500 kg of banned polythene material.The team led by the Minister carried out surprise checks in different markets including Purani Mandi, Shalamar, Paka Danga, Kachi Chawni, Jewel Chowk, Parade, Gumat, etc and seized the banned polythene material from shops and other commercial establishments.The team also imposed and realized Rs 11500 fine from the erring shopkeepers.During the surprise check, the Minister asked the traders to desist from using polythene and plastic bags. The Minister said tonnes of use-and-throw plastic products are causing irreversible damage to the environment and such harmful material should not be used anyway. He also directed the officials to conduct regular raids and make sure that use of polythene and plastic products is done away with.The team issued warning to shopkeepers and asked them to desist from the use of polythene bags that have been banned under J&K Non-Biodegradable Act, 2007.Those who accompanied the minister during the raid include Chairman State Pollution Control Board, Ravi Kesar, Regional Director, SPCB among other senior officials of the department.