JK House panel seeks effective implementation of polythene ban

Jammu, Feb 24 : A House panel of Assembly has urged the government to effectively implement a ban on polythene bags in the state.

The committee on environment, headed by CPI(M) MLA M Y Tarigami, met here yesterday said the government should strictly impose the complete ban on polythene bags.

It also expressed concern over the slow pace of construction work on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway from Ramban to Banihal.

Due to slow pace of work along the Ramban-Banihal stretch, the locals face a number of problems, especially during rainy season, it said and directed the construction company to expedite work on four-laning of the stretch particularly from Maitra to Ramban.

The panel also expressed concern over non-compliance with its directions during the inspection of Chenani-Nashri tunnel to check increasing pollution in the country's longest road tunnel.

After examining the tunnel in November last year, the committee had observed that there was a need to evolve an effective mechanism to monitor and minimize the pollution.

It said there was a need to seek an expert opinion on environment assessment so that a proper mechanism is followed to safeguard human health.

The committee also directed the authorities to submit a report on the action taken over its suggestions and directions and submit the same to the assembly secretariat.