SMC bans use, hoarding and distribution of polythene and single-use plastic

SRINAGAR: The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Friday ordered a complete ban on use, hoarding, distribution or sale of polythene and prohibited single-use plastics in Srinagar.

The ban has been enforced from 24th July. The development comes days after the government constituted a special task force for the elimination of single-use plastic and for addressing the issue of plastic in Jammu and Kashmir.

In this regard, an order has been issued by SMC Commissioner Athar Amir Khan.  
“Polythene and other single-use plastics are extremely harmful to the environment and public health. Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 (SWM Rules, 2016) and Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016 (PWM Rules, 2016) and its amendments provide for rules and guidelines to deal with this menace”, the order reads.

In compliance with the SWM Rules, 2016 and PWM Rules 20160 in pursuance of various orders passed by the High Court of J&K and Ladakh following orders are issued, the order reads.
As per the order, there shall be a complete ban on use and sale of single-use plastics and polythene (as defined in the prohibited categories in Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016) in Srinagar Municipal Limits.

As per the order, “All commercial units and establishments, including street vendors, shops, restaurants, hotels, private or public offices, malls, institutes, public or private sector companies, schools, colleges, universities etc. have been asked to make sure that waste generated by them or by their customers or clients is properly managed and the compounds are kept clean and litter-free.
The waste shall be segregated, disposed of scientifically or handed over to SMC Sanitation staff, the order reads.

Further as per the order, all bulk waste generators shall ensure they have a proper mechanism for waste collection and disposal in place. All hospitals, nursing homes, dispensaries, pharmacies and medical shops shall ensure bio-medical waste, expired or used medicine, equipment, etc is disposed-off in accordance with bio medical waste management rules 2016 and its amendments.

As per the order, the negligence would lead to heavy penalties and immediate sealing of the establishments/units.
As per the order, Rs 500 will be fined for use of polythene bags/ prohibited single use plastics by individual. Rs 5000 fine for use or for selling goods in polythene bags by commercial establishments/units. Rs 10,000 fine per kilogram for carrying, stocking or selling or bulk use of polythene or other prohibited plastics. Rs 500 fine for littering by individuals Rs 5000 spot fine for littering by commercial establishments.

“Repeated offences shall invite heavy penalties including deregistration and sealing of businesses. f. Rs 25000 fine for failure to manage solid waste by bulk waste generators in accordance with rules. g. Repeated offences by commercial establishments shall invite heavy penalties including deregistration and sealing of businesses”, the order reads.

“No one shall bring polythene or single use plastics into the Srinagar city for personal or commercial use via any of the entry points of the city. No one shall engage in sale of polythene and prohibited single use plastics in the city. No one shall sell goods or commodities in polythene or prohibited plastic bags. No one shall stock or hoard prohibited polythene or single use plastics”, the order reads.

No one shall use or carry goods in bags made of prohibited polythene or single use plastic products. No restaurant or hotel or eatery or any commercial unit shall use disposable items made of single use plastic or polythene for serving food or tea etc. to the customers. No individual shall use disposable items made of single use plastics or polythene in marriages or other social or religious functions, it reads.

“All commercial units including shops, hotels, restaurants, street vendors, malls, institutes, offices (government & private), public or private sector companies, schools, colleges, universities etc shall not use prohibited polythene or single use plastics for packaging or sale”, it added.

All commercial units including shops, restaurants, hotels, street vendors, malls, institutes, offices (government & private), public or private sector companies, schools, colleges, universities etc. shall keep two dustbins in or outside their units for keeping wet (bio-degradable) and dry (non-biodegradable) waste within three days after publication of this notice, the order reads.

No one shall litter waste, including that of polythene or plastic in public places including roads, footpaths, vacant land drains, streams, rivers or lakes. No one shall litter anywhere in the city. The waste shall be deposited in the designated dustbins only, the order reads.