Srinagar, Aug 02: The Sub Divisional Forest Officer of Doda has imposed a ban on carrying, littering, dumping, or burning of plastic and non-biodegradable waste of any other activities that may cause damage or pollution in forest areas within the Doda Forest Division.

In an official directive issued by Shahbazul Rahman, it was revealed that  indiscriminate carrying, littering, dumping, and burning of plastic and other non-biodegradable materials in the forested areas of Doda Forest Division is inflicting significant harm on the delicate forest ecosystem, wildlife habitats, soil health, and water resources.”Such actions contravene the provisions of Sections 26 and 33 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, which prohibit any acts that result in damage or pollution in reserved and protected forests,” order stated.The Divisional Forest Officer said that the Jammu and Kashmir Non-Biodegradable Material (Management, Handling and Disposal) Act, 2007, along with SRO 243 dated 05-08-2011, forbids the use and improper disposal of non-biodegradable materials and stipulates penalties under Section 10 for violations, empowering forest officers to take action under the aforementioned Act.”The Conservator of Forests, Chenab Circle, Doda vide letter No. CFC/Estt/2025-25/895-96 dated 24-04-2025 has issued directions to prevent littering in the forest areas and imposition of penalties for the offenders in compliance to the order dated 08-05-2023 passed by the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principle Bench, New Delhi in O.A. No. 481/2022 titled Joginder Singh V/s U.T. of J&K & Ors,” Forest officer said.”In the exercise of the authority granted to me by the Indian Forest Act of 1927, the J&K Non-Biodegradable Material (Management, Handling and Disposal) Act of 2007, in conjunction with SRO 243 dated 05-08-2011, and the Environment Protection Act of 1986, and in the interest of conserving forests and ensuring public safety,” Shahbazul said It is hereby ordered that carrying of single-use plastics, polythene bags, disposable cups and plates, plastic wrappers, PET bottles, and other non-biodegradable plastic products into the forested areas under the jurisdiction of the Doda Forest Division is strictly forbidden.All Forest Officers and frontline personnel are hereby instructed to enforce this order under the combined provisions of Sections 26 and 33 of the Indian Forest Act of 1927, and Sections 6 and 10 of the J&K Non-Biodegradable Material (Management, Handling and Disposal) Act of 2007, in conjunction with SRO 243 dated 05-08-2011.A penalty of up to Rs. 50,000 may be imposed under Section 68 of the J&K Forest Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2017. Additionally, a fine of up to Rs. 25,000 and prosecution under Section 54 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, where applicable.A penalty of up to Rs. 50,000 and a maximum imprisonment of one month may be imposed under Section 10 of the J&K Non-Biodegradable Material (Management, Handling and Disposal) Act, 2007, in conjunction with SRO 243 dated 05-08-2011.