Despite ban, polythene bags continue to plague Srinagar

Srinagar, Jan 27: Despite a blanket ban on polythene and single-use plastics (SUPs), the use of these non-biodegradable materials remains rampant in Srinagar, posing severe environmental and public health risks. Markets, shops, and street vendors continue to rely heavily on polythene bags, undermining efforts to tackle plastic pollution effectively.
The ban, enforced in July 2022 under directives from the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and reinforced by the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC), aimed to curb the production, sale, and use of SUPs. However, its implementation has been far from effective. Polythene bags and other restricted items remain a common sight, highlighting gaps in monitoring and enforcement.
“The ban is just on paper. Walk into any market, and you’ll see vendors handing out plastic bags like nothing has changed,” said Imtiyaz Khan, a resident of Hyderpora.
“I see people openly using polythene in shops and streets. If the government is serious about this ban, why aren’t they stopping it?” questioned Shehriyar, a resident of Jawahar Nagar.
The unchecked use of polythene has far-reaching consequences. According to data, J&K generates an estimated 51,000 metric tons of plastic waste annually, much of which ends up in landfills, water bodies, and forests. This plastic waste clogs Srinagar’s iconic water bodies, including Dal Lake and the Jhelum River, harming aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems. Additionally, it contaminates soil, affecting agriculture and food safety. The use of polythene for food storage also raises health concerns, as chemical leaching poses risks to human health.
One significant factor contributing to the continued use of polythene is the lack of accessible and affordable eco-friendly alternatives. In 2009, the J&K government signed an agreement with an Italian company to establish India’s first bioplastics production facility. However, the project was abandoned due to various challenges, leaving the region reliant on conventional plastics.
“Eco-friendly bags are too expensive for us to buy in bulk,” said Altaf Ahmed, a shopkeeper in Lal Chowk. “Until we get affordable options, it’s difficult to avoid polythene.”
In response, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has intensified efforts to address plastic pollution. “SMC is focused on transforming Srinagar into a plastic-free city. We carry out regular enforcement drives, penalizing offenders and destroying single-use plastics and polythene,” said Shakeel Ahmed Bhat, Anti-Encroachment Officer.
In 2024 alone, SMC imposed fines amounting to INR 2,07,500 and seized five quintals of polythene bags, which were subsequently destroyed. Alongside enforcement measures, SMC has prioritized awareness campaigns to educate residents about the environmental and health risks of plastic pollution. “We regularly conduct public campaigns to encourage the adoption of sustainable alternatives. This year, we aim to launch a large-scale community initiative to inspire lasting change,” added Bhat.
Despite these measures, the persistent use of polythene highlights the need for stricter enforcement and greater public cooperation.
“It’s time for everyone to take responsibility—authorities need to act decisively, and citizens must shift to sustainable practices,” said Lubna Sheikh, a resident of Rajbagh. “Only then can we restore Srinagar’s beauty and protect the environment for future generations.”.