Polythene Ban: Authorities warn shopkeepers, others of severe penalties, sealing in Anantnag

Anantnag, Aug 02: Authorities in Anantnag on Friday warned to impose severe penalties or sealing of establishments among others if found importing, manufacturing, stocking, distributing, selling, or using banned polythene after ten days in the south Kashmir district.

“In our day-to-day life, polythene and polythene trash has become curse of modern living and its use possess threats to environment, besides leading to a number of catastrophic problems like pollution of land, air & water,” Chief Executing Officer (Executive Magistrate) Municipal Council Anantnag noted in a public notice, according to GNS.

“In view of the ban imposed by the Government, the authorities are authorized to impose penalties and take legal action against the manufacturing, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of banned polythene within the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.”

Still after continuous awareness campaigns, the CEO said, reports indicate that shopkeepers, dealers, and vendors continue to engage in the use, sale, and distribution of banned polythene bags. “This persistent practice, including the provision of items to customers in such bags, has led to an increase in their usage.”

Despite the availability of “alternatives to polythene bags and their easy availability in the market”, the CEO said, the shopkeepers, vendors, distributors and sellers etc persistently use banned polythene products at their own discretion.

“This continued use, in defiance of legal regulations, not only undermines the effectiveness of the government’s efforts to promote environmentally friendly alternatives but also exacerbates the problem of plastic pollution,” the CEO noted, adding, “To ensure the complete ban on polythene within the Jurisdiction of Municipal Council Anantnag, a 10-day period is being provided to all shopkeepers, vendors, dealers, and distributors etc to cease any such practices. Any individuals or establishments found importing, manufacturing, stocking, distributing, selling, or using banned polythene after this period will face severe penalties and/ or sealing of their establishments.”