Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Nov 24: Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has arrested around 50 persons in connection with the usage and supply of polythene in the Srinagar city. As part of its ongoing drive against the polythene menace in the Srinagar city, the Corporation has seized more than 200 quintals of polythene from shopkeepers and suppliers over the last few days. “We have deployed sanitation officers in all the 34 wards to keep vigil on the use of polythene bags, said SMC Commissioner, Dr. G N Qasba while interacting with media persons here this afternoon. Dr. Qasba said directions have been issued to the Ward Officers to act stringently against the violators. He said the Building Inspectors of the Corporation have been designated as Anti- Polythene Officers, adding that they carry out regular checks in the markets, conduct raids and also carry out surprise visits. When asked about the manufacturing of polythene bags in the Valley, Dr. Qasba said that there is no such unit in Valley. He said the polythene comes from outside Kashmir. He added that some non-state subjects are playing truant with the people by supplying polythene into the Kashmir valley. “We are following the orders of High Court that has banned the use of polythene in the Srinagar city. So far 46 persons have been arrested and four FIRs have been registered against the violators of law. One person has been imprisoned for manhandling an employee of the Corporation during an operation,” said Dr. Qasba. He said strict laws need to be put in place so that the companies selling packaged milk in the market in polythene are barred from doing so. He added that SMC would also intensify its campaign against the people selling packaged food items in polythene. He said the SMC would procure incinerators so that the confiscated polythene is burnt without causing any environmental hazard.
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