SPCB-Sikkim Organized Inspection Drive to Enforce Ban on Single-Use-Plastics
On 17th July 2026, SPCB-Sikkim in co-ordination with ULB officials and Sikkim Police
personnel organized inspection drives to enforce ban on Single-use-Plastics (SUPs) within the
municipal areas of Gangtok, Mangan, Nayabazar-Jorethang, Rangpo, Singtam, Namchi and
Gyalshing.
Banned SUP items include ear buds with plastic sticks, balloon sticks, plastic flags, candy
sticks, ice cream sticks, polystyrene (Thermocol) for decorations, plates, cups, glasses, cutlery
(forks, spoons, knives), straws, trays, wrapping or packing films on sweet boxes, invitation
cards, and cigarette packets, as well as plastic or PVC banners less than 100 microns and
stirrers.
Additionally, non-woven plastic carry bags below 60 GSM, polyethylene bags under 120
microns without proper markings, and PET bottles for packaged drinking water (including
alkaline water) of 2 litres or less are strictly prohibited.
Local shops and commercial outlets in the municipalities were inspected to ensure compliance
with the ban on SUP items under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, and subsequent
amendments. The general public, shopkeepers, and vendors were also sensitized briefly on the
banned SUP items.
Seizures and fines realized in detail are as follows:
• Namchi Municipal Council; 6.1 kg of SUP items; Fine: Rs. 1,500.
• Singtam Nagar Panchayat; 3.0 kg of SUP items; Fine: Rs. 1,000.
In total, 9.1 kg of prohibited SUP item were seized, and fines amounting to Rs. 2,500 were
realised during the enforcement drive.
SPCB Sikkim solicits support from general public, shopkeepers, retailers, and distributors in
this enforcement drive and requests them to co-operate in maintaining a plastic-litter-free state
by avoiding banned SUP items.
Enforcement drives will occur four days each month.
