*Says no Polythene will be allowed to enter JK; Seeks Public Support to declare the State Polythene Free
SRINAGAR: Reiterating Government’s commitment towards eliminating Polythene from the ecosystem and making J&K Polythene free, Abdul Haq today directed for strict implementation and compliance of the court order on ban in entry and use of Polythene in the state.
The Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Law & Justice Abdul Haq said this during a meeting convened to review the progress of work in various public welfare initiatives launched in the state including progress on SBM, IAY, PMAY, among others.
During the meeting, elaborate discussions were held regarding progress made on eliminating use of polythene bags in the districts.
Minister said the department launched Anti-Polythene drive on May 11 with collection of polythene which was followed by the seizure of polythene from markets. He said the third phase of the drive includes blanket ban on entry of polythene in the state. He said government has increased vigil at Lakhanpur and it is being ensured that no polythene is imported into the state for commercial purpose.
‘With increased vigil in the state, many illegal couriers have been successfully intercepted and polythene worth rupees crores have been seized in the state as part of government operations’ the Minister said adding that true achievement in this regard can only be achieved when people understand the negative impact of this product and work progressively to remove this substance from their day to day lives.
Abdul Haq said on Sunday Kathua Police seized a truck loaded with 13 tons of polythene, that was trying to enter into the state illegally through alternate routes at Lakhanpur.
He said during his visit to various places, people supported the government move and had suggested to check the entry of polythene in the state. He assured the public that government will act tough against the polythene use and will not allow polythene to enter into the JK state.
Earlier while revieweing ther RDD works, Minister was informed that under MGNREGA, Srinagar District had an available budget of Rs 2.69 crore out of which Rs 2.68 crore were spend during the last fiscal.
Meeting was informed that the department generated about 58 lakh man days for the 5997 job card holders of Srinagar district. Officials said 277 works were taken up under MGNREGA during the year out of which 233 works were completed by the end of the financial year.
Minister was informed that under IAY 22 houses were constructed out of the total target of 29 houses.