Leh, June 19, KNT: In a major environmental initiative, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh VK Sexsena has ordered a strict ban on the sale and use of single-use plastics across the Union Territory, along with a comprehensive crackdown on littering and plastic-related violations.
Announcing the decision, the Lieutenant Governor said the measure was essential to safeguard Ladakh’s fragile ecology and pristine landscapes, which form the bedrock of its tourism-driven economy.
Under the new enforcement framework, hefty penalties will be imposed for littering and violations related to single-use plastic items. In a significant departure from previous practice, field-level officials, including Block Development Officers (BDOs), Tehsildars, Municipal Officers, Foresters and Forest Guards, have been empowered to detect violations and issue challans.
The administration has also ordered random inspections at Leh Airport and various border and entry points across Ladakh to prevent the inflow and circulation of prohibited plastic items.
The decision comes amid growing concerns over the deleterious impact of plastic waste on Ladakh’s ecologically sensitive environment, which witnesses a substantial influx of tourists every year.
The Lieutenant Governor said Ladakh’s natural environment remains its greatest strength and stressed that developmental aspirations and tourism expansion must proceed in tandem with environmental responsibility.
The administration has been directed to undertake strict enforcement measures to ensure compliance with the ban and preserve the region’s unique ecological character. [KNT]
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