Press Release
Press Release from State Pollution Control Board Sikkim
Information & Public Relations Department
Joint Inspection Drive to enforce ban on Single-Use Plastics conducted by SPCB Sikkim.
On 12 March 2026, the municipal areas of Gangtok, Mangan, Jorethang, Gyalshing, Namchi, Rangpo, and Singtam were covered under the Single-Use Plastics (SUP) inspection drive conducted by a joint official team comprising SPCB officials, ULB officials, and Sikkim Police personnel.
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, polyethene 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 the SUP items under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. The general public, shopkeepers, and vendors were also sensitised on the banned SUP items.
In total, 14.5 kg of prohibited SUP items were seized, and fines amounting to Rs. 5,500 were collected. SPCB Sikkim appreciates the cooperation from the general public, shops, retailers, and distributors and continuously expects the same. The collective participation by the general public will help keep the state plastic-litter-free.
Enforcement drives will take place every four days each month.
On 12 March 2026, the municipal areas of Gangtok, Mangan, Jorethang, Gyalshing, Namchi, Rangpo, and Singtam were covered under the Single-Use Plastics (SUP) inspection drive conducted by a joint official team comprising SPCB officials, ULB officials, and Sikkim Police personnel.
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, polyethene 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 the SUP items under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. The general public, shopkeepers, and vendors were also sensitised on the banned SUP items.
In total, 14.5 kg of prohibited SUP items were seized, and fines amounting to Rs. 5,500 were collected. SPCB Sikkim appreciates the cooperation from the general public, shops, retailers, and distributors and continuously expects the same. The collective participation by the general public will help keep the state plastic-litter-free.
Enforcement drives will take place every four days each month.
