State Pollution Control Board-Sikkim, in a coordinated effort with Urban Local Body
(ULB) authorities and Sikkim Police, carried out joint inspection drives within the municipal areas of Gangtok, Mangan, Nayabazar-Jorethang, Singtam,
Gyalshing, Namchi and Rangpo to enforce ban on Single-Use Plastic (SUP).
Banned SUP items include ear buds with plastic sticks, balloon sticks, plastic flags,
candy sticks, ice cream sticks, polystyrene (Thermocol) for decorations, plates, cups,
glasses, cutlery (forks, spoons, knives), straws, trays, wrapping or packing films on sweet
boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, as well as plastic or PVC banners less than
100 microns and stirrers.
Additionally, non-woven plastic carry bags below 60 GSM, polyethylene bags under 120
microns without proper markings, and PET bottles for packaged drinking water
(including alkaline water) of 2 litres or less are strictly prohibited.
To verify adherence to the prohibition on banned SUP items under the “Plastic Waste
Management Rules, 2016”, local stores and commercial establishments within the towns
were inspected.
A brief awareness campaign on the prohibited SUP items was also given
to the general public, retailers, and vendors.
SPCB-Sikkim further appealed to the general public, retailers, distributors, and
shopkeepers to help maintain a plastic-free state and discourage use of prohibited single use plastic products in the State.
Enforcement drives will be conducted every four days each month.
