Gilgit-Baltistan Takes Bold Step to Curb Plastic Bottle Use for Environmental Health
In a significant stride towards protecting both its natural environment and public health, the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) government has taken a decisive stance by officially prohibiting the utilization, sale, production, and transportation of plastic bottles within its jurisdiction.
The landmark decision, which transpired following a high-level meeting helmed by the GB Chief Secretary, garnered the attendance of eminent officials including the Inspector General and Home Secretary.
The impetus behind this progressive move lies in the well-established adverse impacts that plastic bottles impose on human well-being and the delicate ecological equilibrium.
Effectively invoking the authority vested in Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), an authoritative edict has been issued to halt the influx of plastic bottles into GB from external regions, slated to commence from the 1st of September, 2023.
To ensure the unwavering enforcement of this restriction, comprehensive guidelines have been disseminated to all government entities, affiliated departments, lower-level offices, self-governing bodies, and quasi-governmental organizations.
The primary objective centers around discouraging the presence of plastic bottles within official domains such as administrative offices, gatherings, seminars, and workshops.
This historic decision stands as a testament to Gilgit-Baltistan’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its ecological heritage and the well-being of its residents, while also setting a remarkable precedent for sustainable practices in the region.