Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law and Justice, Abdul Haq, today paid a surprise visit to various blocks of Samba and Kathua districts to inspect progress of anti-polythene campaign of Rural Development Department being observed across the State as part of Swacchta Week.During his visit to various Panchayats of block Bari Brahmana, Vijaypur, Hiranagar, Samba, Marheen and Barnoti, the Minister underscored the need for close coordination among Government functionaries and locals to curb the menace of polythene use. He asked the officers to make the campaign a regular feature to consolidate its gains.On the occasion, the Minister was informed that large quantity of polythene was seized during the campaign and huge penalty was imposed on violators.At Panchayat Bagla Dhamore of block Vijaypur, Abdul Haq directed suspension of Panchayat Secretary and incharge Inspector Panchayat of Block Marheen for dereliction in duty, besides ordered attachment of incharge BDO Vijaypur with the Directorate of Rural Development.He also sought explanation from ACD Samba, DPO Samba, Executive Engineer REW Samba, AEE Sub division Kathua, Incharge BDO Barnoti, MPW Panchayat Chak Bhagwana, GRS Panchayat Bagla Dhamore for slow progress in the implementation of polythene ban in their respective blocks.Meanwhile, the Minister directed ACD Kathua and Executive Engineer REW Kathua to gear up their men and machinery to collect all the polythene lying on different spots in their jurisdiction within two days.He said strict measures are being taken by the Government to ensure blanket ban on Polythene in the State. He said officials have been asked to immediately stop entry of polythene into the State and increase vigil at Lakhanpur to ensure enforcement of the ban.Director RDD Jammu R.K. Bhat, senior officers of RDD and other concerned officers accompanied the Minister during the visit.