J&K rolls back blanket ban on plastic bags, activists unhappy

A controversy has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir after the Mehbooba Mufti led-government modified the 2008 order banning polythene carry bags, and now allowing above 50 microns polythene for use.

Environmentalists say the order is a step backward from the blanket ban on all polythene carry bags enacted in June 2008. J&K Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology, Choudhary Lal Singh said, “We will ensure that there is no choking of the drains causing insanitary conditions in the state.”

“It (ban) has been modified in tune with whole of country,” said Sameer Bharti, member-secretary J&K, SPCB.

On March 2016, the Union Ministry notified the new rules called the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, allowing the manufacture and use of polythene carry bags, plastic sheets or like, cover made of plastic sheets, plastic packaging and multi-layered packaging having thickness more than 50 microns.

The government’s decision to allow polythene bags above 50- microns has stirred a hornet’s nest with environmentalists deciding to file contempt petition in the J&K High Court.