jj correspondent
Jammu, Apr 02: In a significant action against environmental violations, the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) seized approximately 8 to 10 tons of illegal plastic material including polythene carry bags less than 120 micron from the Railway Parcel Yard. The parcels were found transporting the banned plastic items to Srinagar, in clear violation of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
The illegal plastic material was identified as single-use plastic bags, which were under 120 microns in thickness, a category that has been banned by the government due to its harmful impact on the environment. Upon receiving a tip-off from unknown sources, a team from the JKPCC, led by Member Secretary Ghan Sham Singh, Incharge of Plastic Waste Management, and Scientist A Randeep Manhas, Divisional Officer Janak Singh Rathore, Staff Officer Tarsim Singh Chib and other staff members promptly moved into action. The team was also supported by the Forest Protection Force (FPF), and the seizure operation continued late into the night.
When contacted, Sh. Vasu Yadav, Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC), expressed his satisfaction with the swift response of the officers. He stated, “Our team acted promptly after receiving credible information about the illegal transportation of plastic material. The seizure operation was carried out as per the guidelines laid out in the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, which authorize us to confiscate such illegal materials.”
This successful operation underscores the ongoing challenges in tackling the issue of illegal plastic usage in the region. Despite repeated efforts by the JKPCC and other authorities to curb plastic pollution, unscrupulous individuals continue to engage in the illegal transport of banned plastic materials. The government has been issuing strong directives to eliminate single-use plastic and plastic waste, urging citizens to comply with environmental regulations.
The Jammu and Kashmir government, under its comprehensive action plan, has been taking significant steps to eliminate single-use plastics, particularly in the cities of Jammu and Srinagar. These actions are in alignment with the national push for a ban on plastic waste and the promotion of sustainable waste management practices.
Environmental experts continue to stress the serious threat posed by plastic pollution, citing its detrimental effects on both human health and the environment. The JKPCC has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any instances of plastic waste violations to authorities.
As the committee continues its efforts, this incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against plastic pollution and the need for stronger compliance with existing environmental laws to protect the region’s natural resources.
