- District admin to rope in SHGs for making cloth bags
RAJOURI: In its endeavors to ensure the Rajouri emerge as Single Use Plastic free district, the district administration today carried out an extensive anti-plastic drive in various tehsils of the district. Pertinently, seminars, symposium, quiz competitions and related activities are being held across the district to sensitize the public about the need and significance of discarding use of SUP. Besides, the district administration has also deployed 300 anti plastic Doots who will visit every panchayat and ward to create awareness among the masses regarding SUP.
The drive was conducted on the directions of District Development Commissioner, Mohammad Aijaz Asad. During the drive, the officers conducted surprise inspection of shops and seized large quantity of polythene below the specified standards. The seized material included 24.5 kg at tehsil Rajouri, 34.5 kg at Thanamandi with a fine of Rs 2400, 5 kg at Khawas, 9.5 kg at Manjakote along with a fine of Rs.2600, 39 kg at Nowshera, 2 kg at Sunderbani with a fine of Rs.2300, 5 kg at Darhal and 1.5 kg at tehsil kalakote.
The inspection teams sensitised the people about the ill effects of use of polythene on health and environment and appealed them to give up the use of polythene and go for eco-friendly alternatives. They briefed the public about the benefits of eco friendly alternatives of polythene like jute bags and distributed jute bags among the people. They sought cooperation of public in keeping check on banned polythene in the district. It was informed that Self Help Groups under NRLM will be roped in for making cloth bags in each block.