In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, the Ladakh Pollution Control Committee (LPCC) organized an awareness program on December 6, focusing on Plastic Waste, e-Waste, and Solid Waste Management Rules.

The program aimed to educate the community about the environmental hazards associated with improper disposal of plastic waste, e-waste, and solid waste. It emphasized the importance of recycling and adopting eco-friendly practices to reduce environmental footprints. To discourage the use of non-woven carry bags, LPCC distributed jute bags and other Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials among participants.

Mandeep Mittal, IFS, Regional Director-LPCC, highlighted the detrimental effects of plastic waste and the critical role of recycling in mitigating these impacts.

Ruksana Parveen, District Officer - LPCC Leh, urged the audience to manage and dispose of e-waste in accordance with the e-Waste Management Rules, 2016. She stressed the need for greater awareness and collective responsibility to effectively address the growing challenge of e-waste.

President of the Women’s Alliance of Ladakh (WAL) shared insights into their efforts to ban polythene carry bags in the region.

The President of the Merchant Association Leh emphasized the urgent need to prevent the entry of single-use plastic items into Ladakh, while representatives from Ama Tsokspa (Sankar, Housing Colony), Anjumam Moin-ul-Islam, and Anjuman Imamia Leh discussed their initiatives to eliminate single-use plastic items, such as cups and plates, during functions, religious gatherings, and other events.

The program underscored the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders to achieve a sustainable and plastic-free Ladakh.