Drass, June 22, 2026: Deputy Commissioner Drass, Imteeaz Kacho (JKAS), today chaired a meeting in the Conference Hall of Tourist Dak Bungalow, Drass, to discuss measures for the effective implementation of the ban on single-use plastic and prevention of littering across District Drass.
The meeting was attended by Superintendent of Police, Drass, Ishtyaq Kacho (JKPS); Block Development, Drass; Principal, Government Higher Secondary School, Drass; Principal, Government Higher Secondary School, Bhimbat; Assistant Professor of EVS, Government Degree College, Drass; Zonal Education Officer, Drass; representative of Block Medical Officer, representatives of various religious institutions; hotel operators, petrol pump operators; representative of NGO HUmas Upliftment, Lambardars from different areas of Drass District as well as media persons.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need for collective and coordinated efforts from all stakeholders to ensure a cleaner, greener and healthier environment. He highlighted the adverse impact of single-use plastic on public health, natural resources and the fragile ecosystem of Drass and called for strict adherence of the ban and responsible waste management practices.
The Deputy Commissioner stressed the importance of creating awareness at the grassroots level through educational institutions, religious organizations and community leaders. He urged all stakeholders to actively educate the public, particularly the youth, on reducing plastic consumption, proper waste segregation and maintaining cleanliness in public spaces.
All participants appreciated the initiative of the UT Administration towards imposing the umbrella prohibition and assured full support to the District Administration in its quest towards strict implementation. The meeting also deliberated on strengthening awareness campaigns among tourists, labourers, porters and picnic groups, installation of large-sized dustbins at strategic locations and conducting regular cleanliness drives in schools and villages. It was further resolved to observe the last Saturday of every month as a ‘Cleanliness Awareness Day’ in all educational institutions and to promote environmental education and behavioral change initiatives through IEC activities, documentaries and awareness videos.
The Deputy Commissioner also emphasized the need to discourage the use of single-use plastic during marriages, social gatherings and other public events. He urged people to carry their own bags from home while going to the market for purchases. He also directed that ideas should be exchanged between educational isntitutions for better planning to curb the menace of plastic use and littering as well as to conserve the natural resources. Discussions were held on scientific solid waste management practices, including sanitary landfill systems, alternatives to landfilling, and promotion of the principles of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (3Rs). Further, the Health Department was directed to speak about the harmful effects of junk food on health during the visits to schools.
Superintendent of Police Drass, Ishtyaq Kacho (JKPS), assured full support from the Police Department’s side in enforcing regulations related to the prohibition of single-use plastics, preventing littering and facilitating awareness initiatives through installation of signages and public notices. He spoke on the subject from the perspective of law enforcement and assured of strict action if people are found violating the prohibition.
The participants appreciated the initiative and assured the District Administration of their full cooperation in conducting awareness campaigns and mobilizing community participation to make Drass a cleaner, plastic-free and environmentally responsible District.
The meeting concluded with a collective resolve to intensify awareness activities, strengthen inter-departmental coordination, and ensure effective implementation of environmental protection measures throughout Drass District.
