In compliance with the decision taken by the Government of India to enforce complete ban on Single Use Plastics from July1, 2022, Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee has intensified its campaign against the banned material from World Earth Day in a mission mode.
The Committee has been holding mass awareness campaigns, cleanliness drives and providing alternatives to public in the Districts of Jammu and Kashmir under guidance and supervision of Chairperson, JKPCC Dr. Neelu Gera; Member Secretary, JKPCC, K. Ramesh Kumar; Regional Director, JKPCC, Jammu, Sat Paul and Regional Director Kashmir, Rafi Ahmad Bhat.
The campaign focused on cleanliness drives and distribution of cloth bags for one month from June 6, 2022 till June 25, 2022. Approx. 1.29 Tons of Plastic waste was collected on the eve of World Earth Day, while 40 kg of plastic waste was collected at Rajouri and Poonch during the cleanliness drives conducted on the eve of World Environment Day .
Besides, providing alternatives for polythene to public, awareness was created regarding ban on the identified Single Use Plastic items with effect from July 1, 2022 like Ear buds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice cream sticks, polystyrene [Thermocol] for decoration; plates, cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straw, trays, wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100 micron, stirrers.
After creating awareness through online and offline modes, including publication in print media and audio clips aired through various radio channels, JKPCC has intensified seizure drives against illegal use / stocking / sale of banned Single Use Plastic items including banned Polythene carry bags below 75 microns.
So far JKPCC has seized approx. 1812 kg of Polythene Carry Bags and approx. 304.65 kg of Single Use Plastics since April 2022, which includes seizures from vendors and hot spot areas like Bus Stands, Railway Stations (by Railway station authorities), Jammu and warehouse, Jammu, while realizing compounding of approx. Rs. 65700.
Dr, Neelu Gera appreciated the intense efforts being put in by all Divisional Officers, JKPCC to ensure effective implementation of Ban on Single Use Plastics in UT of J&K and urged all concerned departments to join in this mission so as to ensure complete eradication of banned Single Use Plastic items.