Ladakh LG Vinai Kumar Saxena
Leh– Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena has ordered a strict ban on the sale and use of single-use plastics and directed a complete crackdown on littering across the Union Territory in a major step aimed at protecting the region’s fragile ecology and pristine environment.
Under the new enforcement framework, hefty penalties will be imposed for littering and violations related to single-use plastics, officials said on Friday.
For the first time, field-level officers, including Block Development Officers (BDOs), Tehsildars, Municipal Officers, Foresters and Forest Guards, have been authorised to detect violations and issue challans to ensure stricter implementation of environmental regulations.
The administration has also directed random checks at Leh Airport as well as border and entry points into Ladakh to prevent the inflow and use of prohibited single-use plastic items.
Emphasising the need for sustainable development, the LG said Ladakh’s pristine environment is its greatest strength and forms the foundation of its tourism-driven economy.
“As we strive to develop Ladakh into a world-class tourist destination, development must go hand in hand with environmental responsibility,” he said.
The administration believes the measures will help preserve Ladakh’s unique ecosystem and scenic landscapes while promoting responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.