Press Release
Press Release from State Pollution Control Board-Sikkim
Information & Public Relations Department
SPCB-Sikkim Organised Joint Inspection Drive to Enforce Ban on Single-Use-Plastics.
The State Pollution Control Board-Sikkim, in a coordinated effort with Urban Local Body (ULB) authorities and Sikkim Police personnel, carried out joint inspection drives on 18 June, 2026, within the municipal areas of Gangtok, Mangan, Nayabazar-Jorethang, Singtam, Namchi, Rangpo and Gyalshing to enforce the ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs).
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, 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.
To verify compliance with the ban on prohibited SUP items under the “Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016”, local stores and commercial establishments within the towns were inspected. A brief awareness campaign on the prohibited SUP items was also given to the general public, retailers, and vendors.
In total, 2.0 kg of prohibited SUP items were seized, and fines amounting to Rs. 1,000 were imposed and collected.
SPCB-Sikkim urges support from the general public, retailers, distributors, and shopkeepers in maintaining a plastic-free state and also request to abstain from the use and sale of single-use plastic products that are prohibited by the rules.
Enforcement drives will be conducted every four days each month.
The State Pollution Control Board-Sikkim, in a coordinated effort with Urban Local Body (ULB) authorities and Sikkim Police personnel, carried out joint inspection drives on 18 June, 2026, within the municipal areas of Gangtok, Mangan, Nayabazar-Jorethang, Singtam, Namchi, Rangpo and Gyalshing to enforce the ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs).
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, 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.
To verify compliance with the ban on prohibited SUP items under the “Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016”, local stores and commercial establishments within the towns were inspected. A brief awareness campaign on the prohibited SUP items was also given to the general public, retailers, and vendors.
In total, 2.0 kg of prohibited SUP items were seized, and fines amounting to Rs. 1,000 were imposed and collected.
SPCB-Sikkim urges support from the general public, retailers, distributors, and shopkeepers in maintaining a plastic-free state and also request to abstain from the use and sale of single-use plastic products that are prohibited by the rules.
Enforcement drives will be conducted every four days each month.
