In compliance with the directions issued by the UT Administration regarding the ban on Single-Use Plastic (SUP) and littering items in the Union Territory of Ladakh, an enforcement and inspection team conducted a market inspection at Khaltse on June 20.

The inspection was carried out under the directions of Deputy Commissioner, Sham, Kunzes Angmo (JKAS), to monitor the use and sale of banned Single-Use Plastic items and ensure strict compliance with the prescribed regulations.

The inspection team comprised Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Khaltse, Mohd Sharif; Naib Tehsildar, Khaltse, Asgar Ali; and the concerned Patwari.
During the inspection, the team thoroughly checked shops and business establishments across Khaltse Market to assess compliance with the ban on Single-Use Plastic and littering items. It was observed that shopkeepers were using carry bags made of non-plastic and biodegradable materials.

The team also inspected wholesale supply vehicles delivering goods to local retailers and found no plastic carry bags or other banned Single-Use Plastic items.

The officials interacted with shopkeepers at Khaltse Bus Stand and sensitised them about the strict enforcement of the ban. Shopkeepers were informed that penalties would be imposed on violators and were encouraged to continue following the regulations and adopt environmentally responsible practices.

Later, the team inspected the Tiger Hill Petrol Pump at Khaltse and directed the management to install separate dustbins for different categories of waste at suitable locations to promote proper waste segregation and disposal.

The inspection was conducted as part of the ongoing efforts of the UT Administration to enforce environmental regulations and promote a cleaner, greener and plastic-free Ladakh.