SPCB Sikkim conducts inspection drive to enforce ban on Single-Use Plastics.
Issued by:State Pollution Control Board, Sikkim.
In order to enforce the ban on single-use plastics (SUPs), SPCB officials, representatives of Urban Local
Bodies, and Sikkim Police personnel conducted joint inspection in municipal areas of Gangtok, Namchi,
Jorethang, Rangpo, Mangan, Singtam and Gyalshing respectively on 5
th March 2026.
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 under 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 liters or less
are strictly prohibited.
The team inspected local markets and commercial outlets in municipalities to ensure compliance with the
Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 and to promote sustainable practices. Officials from the SPCB
also made awareness to the public, shopkeepers, and vendors about SUPs.
Seizures and fines were imposed and details are as follows:
• Gyalshing Nagar Panchayat: 8.95 kg of SUPs. ; Fine: Rs. 7,000.
• Gangtok Municipal Corporation: 0.3 kg of SUPs; Fine: Rs. 1,000.
• Mangan Nagar Panchayat; 1.98 kg of SUPs. ; Fine: Rs. 1,500.
In total, 11.2 kgs of prohibited SUP items were seized, and fines was realised amounting to Rs. 9,500 .
Additionaly the public were given a brief awareness about single use plastics as well.
SPCB Sikkim seeks cooperation for this enforcement drive from the general public, shops, retailers, and
distributors, and asks them to help keep the state plastic-litter-free by avoiding banned SUP items.
Enforcement drives will take place every four days of the month.
