Dereliction in enforcing polythene ban worsens environmental crisis in Baramulla

Baramulla, Oct 8: Despite a long-standing ban on single-use plastic, the continued use of polythene in north Kashmir, especially in Baramulla district, poses a severe threat to the region's environment and public health.

While this move represents a more stringent approach, its effectiveness remains uncertain. The environmental and public health impacts of this negligence are increasingly alarming.

Polythene, a synthetic material derived from petroleum, is non-biodegradable, meaning it can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. As it accumulates, it poses a host of dangers, from contaminating soil and water sources to harming wildlife.

In Baramulla, plastic waste has clogged drainage systems, causing waterlogging during rains and contributing to urban flooding. Local water bodies, such as the Jhelum River, have become dumping grounds for plastic bags and other waste.

Javed Ahmad, a fish seller in the main market of Baramulla, has observed a sharp decline in fish production due to the rampant dumping of plastic into rivers. "If authorities continue to turn a blind eye to this crisis, we risk the complete extinction of fish and other aquatic animals," he warned.

Municipal authorities in Baramulla have made limited efforts to curb the situation. Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, ordered the filing of FIRs against retailers and dealers found in possession of polythene. However, despite the announcement, there has been no serious effort on the ground.

Plastic not only damages marine life but also affects human health. The burning of plastic waste, a common disposal method, releases toxic gases into the atmosphere, worsening air quality and contributing to global warming. Exposure to these toxic emissions can lead to cancer, weakened immune systems, and other serious health issues.

Frustrated residents have expressed outrage over the lack of strict enforcement by the authorities, believing the administration is not serious enough to implement the ban. Fayaz Ahmad, a local resident, believes that collecting and confiscating plastic is not difficult, provided the administration takes the issue seriously.

“If officials conducted regular tours of the markets across North Kashmir, they could easily seize tonnes of polythene from shopkeepers and street vendors," said Fayaz. However, many fear that without consistent and committed action from the authorities, the problem will only worsen.

Ishtiyaq Ahmad, an environmentalist from Baramulla, stressed the importance of public education alongside enforcement.

According to Ishtiyaq, a collective measure from the state administration and the public is required to enforce the polythene ban. “The common people must understand that by using plastic material, they are spoiling the future of the next generation. If everyone takes a pledge not to use polythene, then we can win the war against plastic use,” said Ishtiyaq.

Earlier, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh imposed restrictions on the "use and sale of polythene bags at tourist destinations and healthcare institutions" as early as 2006. The Jammu and Kashmir government followed this with SRO 182 in June 2008, which extended the prohibition to all types of polythene bags under the J&K Non-Biodegradable Material (Management, Handling, and Disposal) Act of 2007. Yet, despite the existence of legal frameworks, enforcement remains woefully inadequate.

In an attempt to tackle this environmental menace, the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) issued a public notice two years ago banning the production, distribution, and use of single-use plastic. But these efforts have largely fallen on deaf ears, with street vendors, shopkeepers, and business owners across the region continuing to use polythene without fear of repercussions. The disregard for the ban has turned the region into a hub of plastic pollution, with grave consequences for both the environment and public health.

The crisis in North Kashmir demonstrates the dire consequences of weak enforcement and public indifference. Without urgent action from both the administration and the public, the unchecked use of polythene will continue to endanger the region’s environment, wildlife, and health. Only through a combination of stringent enforcement, public awareness, and responsible behavior can north Kashmir hope to mitigate this growing environmental disaster.