Gilgit-Baltistan Imposes Ban on Plastic Bottles

In a significant step towards prioritizing human health and environmental preservation, the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) government has taken a momentous decision to impose a comprehensive ban on the use, sale, production, and transportation of plastic bottles within the region.

This milestone decision emerged following a high-level meeting on Thursday, presided over by the Chief Secretary of GB and attended by distinguished officials including the Inspector General and Home Secretary.

The motivation behind this pivotal move is rooted in the well-established understanding of the adverse effects of plastic bottles on both human health and the fragile ecological equilibrium.

In accordance with the authority granted by Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), an official order has been issued to restrict the entry of plastic bottles into GB from other areas, starting from September 1, 2023.

Also Read: UK to ban single-use plastic cutlery and plates from October.

To ensure the effective enforcement of this ban, comprehensive directives have been communicated to all governmental entities, associated departments, subordinate offices, autonomous bodies, and semi-governmental organizations. The overarching objective is to discourage the presence of plastic bottles in official spaces such as offices, meetings, seminars, and workshops.

This decisive action underscores the GB government’s commitment to fostering a healthier environment and safeguarding the pristine beauty of the region for generations to come. By curtailing the use of plastic bottles, GB is taking a proactive stance in mitigating the adverse impact of plastic waste on its unique ecosystems and the well-being of its residents.