Ladakh imposes complete ban on single-use plastics, plastic water bottles

Violators to face penalties of up to ₹10,000; anti-littering norms enforced across Union Territory

Leh: In a significant step towards protecting its fragile Himalayan ecosystem, the Union Territory of Ladakh has imposed a comprehensive ban on identified single-use plastics (SUP), plastic water bottles in government institutions, and littering across the region with immediate effect.The directives have been issued through Circular No. 09-LA (GAD) of 2026, dated June 29, 2026, following the Department of Forest, Ecology & Environment’s earlier order mandating strict enforcement of the ban on identified single-use plastic items.

Under the new guidelines, the use and procurement of plastic water bottles have been prohibited in all government offices, educational institutions, universities, boards, corporations and autonomous bodies. These institutions have been instructed to provide drinking water through reusable and eco-friendly alternatives.

The circular also enforces a complete ban on the use, sale, storage, stocking, distribution, transportation and supply of identified single-use plastic items throughout Ladakh. The prohibited items include plastic ear buds, balloon sticks, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, thermocol decoration material, disposable plates, cups, glasses, cutlery, straws, trays, plastic wrapping films used around sweet boxes, invitation cards, cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners below 100 microns, and plastic stirrers, in accordance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules.

Recognising Ladakh’s ecological sensitivity and growing tourism, the administration has also prohibited littering of any kind across the Union Territory. Dumping plastic waste, food waste or other refuse in public places, tourist destinations, forests, wetlands, rivers, streams, water bodies and other environmentally sensitive areas has been strictly banned.

To ensure effective enforcement, the administration has prescribed stringent penalties. Individuals or entities found using, selling, storing, transporting or distributing banned single-use plastic items, or violating the provisions of the circular, will be liable to a penalty of up to ₹10,000, in addition to action under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Plastic Waste Management Rules. Those found littering may face fines of up to ₹5,000.

The circular assigns responsibility for implementation and monitoring to all Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, Deputy Commissioners, Chief Executive Officers of the LAHDCs, and Heads of Institutions, directing them to ensure strict compliance through awareness campaigns and regular monitoring.The order has come into force with immediate effect and will remain operational until further instructions.