Press Release
Press Release from State Pollution Control Board, Sikkim
Information & Public Relations Department
SPCB Sikkim conducts an inspection drive to enforce the 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 inspections in the municipal areas of Gangtok, Namchi, Jorethang, Rangpo, Mangan, Singtam and Gyalshing respectively on 5th 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 raised awareness among 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 was 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.
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 inspections in the municipal areas of Gangtok, Namchi, Jorethang, Rangpo, Mangan, Singtam and Gyalshing respectively on 5th 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 raised awareness among 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 was 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.