Joint Team Conducts SUP Inspection; Seizures and Fines Imposed on Violators.
Date: February 13, 2026
February 13, 2026: A joint inspection drive to enforce the ban on Single Use Plastics (SUPs) was successfully conducted on February 12, 2026, across 7 Urban Local Bodies. The operation involved a dedicated team comprising SPCB officials, Local Bodies officials, and Sikkim Police personnel.
In August 2021, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified a ban on 19 SUP categories—like thin carry bags, straws, cutlery, and thermocol—under the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021. The prohibition on manufacturing, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use took effect on July 1, 2022, and regular inspection is being carried out in the state.
The drive targeted markets and commercial establishments to enforce the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, and promote sustainable practices. Seizures were made from the following municipalities:
• Jorethang Nagar Panchayat : 1.1 kg SUPs ; Fine: Rs. 1,500.
• Namchi Municipal Council: 4.1 kg SUPs ; Fine: Rs. 1,000.
• Gangtok Municipal Corporation: 2.17 kg SUPs ; Fine: Rs. 3,000.
• Rangpo Nagar Panchayat: 0.71 kg SUPs.
• Gyalshing Nagar Panchayat: 0.3 kg SUPs.
In total, 8.3 kg of banned SUP items were confiscated, and fines totalling Rs. 5,500 were imposed on violators.
This initiative underscores the commitment to a plastic-free environment and will continue in phases.
SPCB Sikkim solicits cooperation from the general public, shopkeepers, retailers and distributors to keep our state plastic and litter-free to curb the use of banned SUP items.
The Board will be continuously carrying out the inspection drive in the state.