J-K Assembly panel for ban on plastic throughout state

A Jammu and Kashmir Assembly committee today recommended a complete ban on the use of polythene throughout the state.
"Detailed discussion was held on the use of polythene and the committee stressed on a complete ban on the use of polythene in every nook and corner of the state," a state government spokesman said after a meeting of the committee here.
The use of polythene is already banned in Srinagar and many tourist resorts of the state.
The committee on environment, which met under the chairmanship of M Y Tarigami, discussed various issues related to the adoption of eco-friendly measures.

The panel suggested that the district administration should formulate action plans for conservation of wet lands, forests and springs in their respective areas of jurisdiction.
It suggested that all Deputy Commissioners must act as nodal officers for safeguarding the environment at all levels.

It also recommended that district administrations should constitute expert environmental committees at district and block levels to assist the Deputy Commissioners in protecting the environment.
The committee suggested that awareness programmes and seminars involving environment experts, Panchayati Raj Institutions and senior citizens should be organised to create awareness among the people.
Environmental concerns should be kept in mind while carrying out developmental activities, the committee observed.