Diplomat Correspondent
Leh:DD, The Ladakh Pollution Control Committee convened a review meeting in the Conference Hall, DC Office Leh focused on strengthening Plastic Waste Management (PWM) and accelerating the transition towards a Single Use Plastic (SUP) free Ladakh.
The meeting was chaired by Sh. Rajesh S., IFS, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests / Chief Wildlife Warden UT-Ladakh and Member Secretary, Ladakh Pollution Control Committee (LPCC), and attended by line departments, Local bodies, and representatives from various NGOs, Ladakh Ecological Development Group (LEDeG), village level women’s groups (Ama Tsogspas), recycling units, President of Merchant Association Leh and Women’s Alliance of Ladakh and community stakeholders.
During the meeting, District Officer LPCC Leh, Smt. Ruksana Parveen presented a comprehensive presentation outlining the current status of Plastic Waste generation, collection system, regulatory compliance under the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016, and its amendments, Extended Producer Responsibility, key gaps, challenges and opportunities for improving Plastic Waste management across Urban and Rural settlements were highlighted.
The discussion focused on actionable strategies for eliminating SUP items from Ladakh through improved enforcement, behavioral change and sustainable alternatives. The key measures discussed included: strengthened enforcement of the notified ban on Single Use Plastic items, improved waste segregation, collection and processing system across UT Ladakh, promotion of reusable and eco friendly alternatives including cloth bags and compostable bags and community engagement through schools, market associations, tourism operators, SHGs and NGOs.
As a part of the event, a pledge signing ceremony was organized where participants reaffirmed their commitment to reduce plastic usage, adopting sustainable alternatives and supporting environmentally responsible practices.
To promote behavioral change, jute bags were distributed among participants, along with informative pamphlets on plastic Waste Management Rules and strategies for reducing Single Use Plastic (SUP) reduction.DD