J

Srinagar, Nov 15 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has asked the authorities concerned to submit within one week a fresh action taken report (ATR) regarding the implementation of ban on sale and use of polythene in the state.

A Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Bashir Ahmed Khan and Justice Bashir Ahmad Kirmani, passed several directions to the authorities concerned to enforce ban on sale and use of polythene.

It asked the authorities concerned to submit their plan of action and mechanism adopted by them for implementing the ban. The court also directed the state government to expedite the process of legislation on the issue and asked the Municipal authorities to take the necessary steps under powers enjoyed by them.

Medical Superintendents of government hospitals and management of all private hospitals were also directed to submit their action plans on similar lines.

The Directors of Health Services Kashmir and Jammu, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation and the LAWDA Vice Chairman have been directed to seek compliance report from the management of private hospitals and direct them to appear before the court on the next day of hearing along with the status report.

After perusing status reports submitted by various authorities, the court observed that no concrete and specific action plan has either been adopted or indicated by them which could constitute permanent mechanism for enforcing the order imposing the ban.

The bench directed the state government to get the proposed legislation on ban on the use and sale of polythene published in newspapers, inviting suggestions from experts.

In case suggestions or recommendations were submitted, these should be considered before finalising the legislation for enactment, it added.

The court directed all authorities concerned to submit fresh action taken report within one week.

UNI AG Mir PM1404