Date :3/14/2019
Pree Release on 14th March 2019Anti Polythene Drive
The Government of Jammu & Kashmir vide notification SRO 45 dated 03/02/2017, while exercising powers under sub-section (3) of section (7) of the Jammu & Kashmir State Non-Biodegradable Material (Management, Handling & Disposal) Act 2007 and in super- session of notification SRO of 2008, has imposed ban on the manufacture, stocking, distribution, sale and use of polythene carry bags, plastic sheets or like, cover made of plastic sheets, plastic packaging and Multilayered packaging less than fifty microns in thickness within the territorial limits of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Despite ban on plastic bags and ultrathin covers below 50 microns, it can still be seen everywhere right from fruit vendor’s stalls, Mutton / Chicken shops and retail outlets of plastic disposable. Roadside vendors almost always use thin plastic bags, which are non recyclable. As per reports received from different quarters, these plastic bags are not only available at retail shops, but are also delivered to the vendors by some individual salesmen on a daily basis.
On the directions of Hon’ble Mayor, Hon’ble Dy. Mayor & Commissioner JMC, a team of Officials from Health and Sanitation wing was constituted by Health officer JMC for implementation of SRO 45 of 2017 to restrict the use of banned polythene carry bags and other allied material, keep proper check /seize polythene carry bags found in the markets within the limits of Jammu Municipal Corporation under the provisions of said SRO.
Today on 14/03/2019 a team of officials from Health & Sanitation wing launched an extensive drive under the Supervision of Health Officer against the menace of Polythene carry bags in Narwal Sabzi Mandi / Fruit Market and Narwal Chowk area etc. During the drive the team confiscated about 5 quintals of banned polythene carry bags and other allied material and also imposed penalties to the tune of Rs. 14000/-. JMC initiated this drive after a huge mass of plastic bags were found obstructing free flow of storm water during the recent spell of torrential rains. Roads and colonies were inundated due to reckless dumping of plastic stuff into the drains, nallahas and on roads. Out of a total of 350 tones garbage generated daily within the limits of Jammu Municipal Corporation about 20% is plastic only.
Health Officer issued strict instructions to the defaulters to desist from illegal storage and sale of banned polythene material. JMC will pursue the mission of “Polythene free Jammu” by way of extensive anti polythene drives within its limits. We are glad that Hon’ble Councillors, Market Associations, Resident Welfare Associations and Public in general are also cooperating us to finally curb this menace for good.
Health Officer also appeals to all the Jammuities to cooperate with Jammu Municipal Corporation to safeguard the ever deteriorating environmental Health & beauty of Jammu by not using banned polythene carry bags and other allied material.