E-Paper
HC bans use of polythene bags in J&K
J&K HC has imposed a complete ban on the entry, use and sale of polythene bags at tourist places and healthcare institutions.
Jammu and Kashmir High Court has imposed a complete ban on the entry, use and sale of polythene bags at tourist places and healthcare institutions in the state beginning June 1.
The order banning polyethene carry bags, particularly of less than 20 microns, in tourist resorts of Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, in and around Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens and hospitals in Srinagar and Jammu cities was passed on Monday by a division bench comprising Chief Justice BA Khan and Justice BA Kirmani.
The court directed the Chief Secretary to convene a meeting of departmental heads concerned and evolve a mechanism to enforce the ban which may entail barricading entry points and deploying requisite supervisory staff.
All shopkeepers, traders, hotel managements and other establishments in prohibited areas are restrained from selling or using polythene carry bags, the Bench said.
Divisional commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu divisions and tourism department officials were directed to publicise the ban through notices in print and electronic media.
The court also directed state functionaries concerned to submit to the government the draft legislation seeking a ban on polythene in the state so that it could be tabled in the state Assembly in the next session.
The Bench said all authorities concerned shall be personally responsible and accountable for enforcing the ban and any violation or breach shall render them liable to consequential action under law.
