Kurukshetra administration confiscated over 84 kg of disposable plastic and thermocol items

In order to improve sanitary conditions, the district administration launched a campaign against single-use plastic in the city.

A team led by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Sonu Bhatt raided various shops in the city area late on Saturday evening and seized over 84 kg of disposable plastic and thermocol items. It also imposed fines on shop owners.

ADC Sonu Bhatt said, “Single-use plastic is not allowed. Regular checks are carried out in urban areas to ensure that single-use plastic items are not sold and used. Efforts are being made to improve sanitary conditions in the city. Appropriate action will be taken against those found violating the instructions.”

SDM Kapil Sharma, Thanesar Municipal Council senior officer Abhe Yadav and municipal council staff accompanied the ADC for the inspection in Subhash Mandi area and other local markets.

An official said, “The district administration has launched a special sanitation drive in Thanesar. Particular attention is paid to plastic waste. The raids are being carried out as per the directions of Deputy Commissioner Neha Singh. During inspections, over 84 kg of disposable plastic and thermocol items were recovered. Shopkeepers were fined between 500 and 25,000 rupees, depending on the weight of the seized goods. Further such checks will be carried out in the coming days. People are also being educated not to use single-use plastic and instead resort to alternative products available in the market.”

Inspections also take place at the International Gita Mahotsav. Sellers receive notices if they use single-use plastic items. A complaint has been lodged against a shopkeeper in Brahma Sarovar for using disposable cups and glasses. The shop owner was also fined Rs 500.

A municipal council official said efforts were being made to make the International Gita Mahotsav plastic-free. Shopkeepers have been given instructions not to use single-use plastic items.

An NGO, Green Earth, is also conducting an awareness campaign titled ‘Single-Use Plastic Free-Clean Gita Mahotsav’ in Brahma Sarovar.

Dr. Naresh Bhardwaj, executive member of the NGO, said, “Five teams have been formed and volunteers are going to each stall to make people aware about the harmful effects of single-use plastic. They appeal to them to use alternative products available on the market. The visitors coming to Brahma Sarovar for Mahotsav are also requested to carry cloth bags instead of forcing shopkeepers to give them carry bags.”