JAMMU: The Civil Secretariat, J&K would soon be made plastic-free and its use would be discarded absolutely in the Secretariat premises.

It was stated during the celebrations of World Toilet Day, 2018 wherein Secretary Department of Rural Development & PR, Sheetal Nanda distributed glass-made water bottles among Advisors to Governor, Chief Secretary and other high-rung officers at the Secretariat.

The Chief Secretary assured that Secretariat would soon be made free from plastic and a notification to that effect will be issued soon. He also assured that Estates, Hospitality and JKTDC shall be directed not to use plastic bottles, cups etc. in meetings or otherwise in the secretariat.

An adequate number of water dispensers shall also be put in place to ensure employees do not have to carry water bottles from home.

The Secretary RDD appealed all the Government Departments to shun the use of plastic in their respective meeting halls so that an example is set for the public to emulate.

Cautioning against the use of plastic, the Secretary said, “Single-use plastic for e.g. plastic bottled water, plastic straws and cups are fast becoming the main source of solid waste landfills and dumps that one sees all around.”

“We must use glass jugs and install water dispensers so that an example is set for the public to emulate,” Secretary RDD said.