Chamba DC for stringent curb on single-use plastics

In a move to strengthen the enforcement of the ban on single-use plastic items, Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal has directed all departments concerned in Chamba district to prioritise monitoring mechanisms and take strict action against violators. Chairing a review meeting, the DC emphasised the importance of curbing the use and sale of prohibited plastic items and instructed officials to ensure weekly progress reports are submitted.

He called upon SDMs to regularly review implementation at the sub-division level and urged sub-divisional police officers, block development officers, and municipal officials to coordinate with local trade associations to ensure full compliance with the guidelines. The DC also asked the District Development Officer to encourage self-help groups to manufacture cloth bags as a sustainable alternative. He further directed all departments to organise awareness campaigns to educate the public on the dangers of single-use plastics and promote eco-friendly practices.

In addition to enforcement and awareness, Repaswal instructed officials to ensure proper waste collection from bins installed in taxis, public transport, and other private and public vehicles. He stressed the importance of integrating waste disposal systems at bus and taxi stands and ensuring the waste is systematically transferred to local municipal bodies for management.

Repaswal said wide range of plastic items have been banned under the single-use category, including plastic carry bags, cutlery, straws, sticks used in balloons, flags, and candy, as well as decorative items like plates, cups, glasses, trays, and plastic films used in packaging. The ban also includes plastic or PVC banners thinner than 100 microns and non-woven plastic carry bags below 80 GSM.

Strict penalties have been set for violators, with compounding fees ranging from Rs 500 for up to 100 gram to Rs 25,000 for quantities above 10 kg. Institutions and individuals caught discarding these items in public places, religious premises, or private properties face an additional penalty of Rs 5,000.

Earlier in the day, the DC also chaired a separate meeting to review the implementation of High Court orders regarding the removal of encroachments. He directed all concerned officers to take timely and appropriate action in accordance with court instructions.

Himachal Tribune