Deputy Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar (IAS), chaired a review meeting to assess the enforcement of the ban on identified Single-Use Plastic (SUP) items and review the implementation of Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules in the district.

The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC), Chief Planning Officer (CPO), Tehsildar Kargil, Tehsildar Taisuru through virtual mode, District Panchayat Officer, District Forest Officer, Executive Officer Municipal Committee, Wildlife Warden, Naib Tehsildars, Block Development Officers and other concerned officials. GPS and camera teams also participated in monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the need for strict implementation of the ban and directed all concerned departments to ensure effective enforcement. He emphasized that penalties must be imposed on violators without exception, stating that enforcement agencies must set an example through firm action to ensure compliance among individuals and organizations.

The DC informed that penalties would be imposed as per prescribed norms. A fine of ₹5,000 will be levied for the first offence of selling or stocking banned single-use plastic items, which may increase to ₹10,000 for subsequent violations. Commercial establishments found using prohibited SUP items will face penalties of ₹2,000 for the first violation, ₹5,000 for the second, and ₹10,000 for repeated offences.

For littering, individuals will be fined ₹3,000 per violation, while organizations and institutions will face a penalty of ₹10,000 per violation. Burning of plastic or garbage will attract a penalty of ₹5,000 per violation.

The Deputy Commissioner highlighted the important role of Forest and Municipal authorities in ensuring effective implementation and underlined the responsibilities of Executive Magistrates in enforcing the regulations at the grassroots level.

He directed that records of penalties imposed and enforcement actions taken should be submitted to the Administration every month for review and monitoring.

Reviewing Solid Waste Management measures, the DC directed the ADDC to oversee the implementation process and ensure better coordination among departments. He instructed all concerned officers to adhere strictly to prescribed timelines and deadlines.

The DC also emphasized the involvement of educational institutions in awareness campaigns and directed schools to actively participate in environmental awareness activities to spread the message of responsible waste management among the public.

He further directed authorities to ensure proper maintenance of tourist destinations and install adequate dustbins at the earliest to improve cleanliness and preserve the visual appeal of these areas.

The Deputy Commissioner also instructed that dustbins be made mandatory in registered vehicles to discourage the dumping of dry waste during travel across the district.

Reiterating the need for collective efforts from all stakeholders, the DC stressed coordinated action to build a cleaner, greener and environmentally sustainable Kargil.