Indian Union Territory Ladakh bans usage of plastic water bottles in Govt. offices; alternative like Aluminium bottles can be used

On 24^th June’20, an official spokesperson said that a big step to realise the long term goal of 'carbon neutral Ladakh', the Union Territory administration has ordered a complete ban on the use of plastic water bottles and other plastic made objects in government offices and other institutions.

The target and timeline for a phased ban would be 100% of plastic bottles by 15^th July’20 and 100% of plastic files and folders by July end, the spokesman said, quoting an order issued by Commissioner Secretary Finance and General Administration Department, Ladakh, Rigzian Sampheal on 23^rd June’20.

The order details that all government offices, boards, corporations, autonomous bodies or units, educational institutions including universities would dispense with the use of plastic water bottles in their respective offices and make alternate arrangements for safe drinking water that does not generate plastic waste.

The order directed for necessary initiatives and measures to secure a complete ban on the use of plastic bottles, plastic folders and similar plastic made objects by the end of July in all government offices, while alternative eco-friendly measures are implemented and substitutes made of biodegradable materials to be used for all purposes.

The spokesperson stated that only multi-use water bottles, dispensers, containers will be allowed in government offices and water bottles of alternative materials like aluminium among others shall be used.

The educational institutions would also make efforts to campaign the message of zero litterings of plastic bottles, effective plastic waste management and behavioural change towards dispensing with the use of plastic made products in the student community.