Rs 14000 penalty imposed on violators during SUP Ban enforcement drive in Khaltse Market

KHALTSE: The Inspection Team Khaltse collected Rs 14,000 in fines during a special enforcement drive against the use of banned single-use plastic (SUP) items, littering and other regulatory violations in Khaltse Market, as the district administration intensified measures to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

The drive was conducted in accordance with the directions of the Union Territory Administration and under the instructions of Deputy Commissioner Leh, Kunzes Angmo (JKAS). Inspection teams checked shops and commercial establishments to verify adherence to the ban on single-use plastic items and discourage littering in public spaces.

Officials found several establishments using or stocking prohibited plastic items, leading to the imposition of Rs 12,000 in penalties under the applicable provisions governing the ban on single-use plastics.

During the inspection, the Tehsil Supply Officer, Khaltse, also detected a commercial establishment operating without a valid licence. A penalty of Rs 2,000 was imposed under the relevant provisions of the Food Department regulations.

The enforcement drive resulted in the recovery of Rs 14,000 from violators and was carried out by a multi-department team comprising Naib Tehsildar Khaltse Asgar Ali, Block Development Officer Khaltse Dr. Zakir Hussain, Tehsil Supply Officer Khaltse Afzal Khan, Sub-Inspector Skarma Angchuck, Assistant Sub-Inspector Mohd. Jaffer, Panchayat Inspector Tsering Angchuck, along with police personnel.

Officials appealed to shopkeepers and vendors to strictly adhere to the ban on single-use plastics, avoid littering and adopt environmentally sustainable alternatives. They also warned that similar inspection drives would continue regularly and that strict action would be taken against individuals or establishments found violating environmental norms or regulatory provisions.