Lieutenant Governor orders strict ban on single use plastics in Ladakh

LEH, June 19 — Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has announced a strict ban on the sale and use of single-use plastics along with a comprehensive crackdown on littering across Ladakh to safeguard the region’s fragile ecology and environment.

Under a newly implemented framework, heavy penalties will be imposed on violators to deter plastic use and littering. To ensure strict enforcement, field-level officers, including block development officers, tehsildars, municipal officers, foresters, and guards, have been authorized for the first time to detect violations and issue financial penalties.

The administration will also initiate random checks for single-use plastic items at the Leh Airport as well as at various border and entry points into Ladakh.

While emphasizing that the pristine environment of Ladakh forms the foundation of its tourism economy, the Lieutenant Governor stated that development must go hand in hand with environmental responsibility as the region strives to establish itself as a world-class tourist destination.