The Rural Development Department is observing Swachhta Week across the state. The Minister for Rural Development, Abdul Haq, on Saturday, paid a surprise visit to various blocks of Samba and Kathua districts to inspect the progress of anti-polythene campaign.

During his visit to various panchayats of block Bari Brahmana, Vijaypur, Hiranagar, Samba, Marheen and Barnoti, he felt the need of a close coordination between authorities and locals to curb the menace of polythene use.

He told the officers to make it a regular feature so that the campaign is successful.

He was informed that large quantity of polythene was seized during the campaign and the violators had to face a huge penalty.

At Panchayat Bagla Dhamore of block Vijaypur, Abdul Haq directed the suspension of panchayat secretary and inspector incharge of block Marheen for dereliction in duty.  He ordered attachment of BDO Vijaypur incharge with Directorate of Rural Development.

Take a strict cognisance, he sought explanation from ACD Samba, DPO Samba, Executive Engineer REW Samba, AEE Sub division Kathua, BDO Barnoti incharge, MPW Panchayat Chak Bhagwana, GRS Panchayat Bagla Dhamore for the slow progress in the implementation of polythene ban in their respective blocks.

Stating that the Government wants to ensure a blanket ban on polythene in the state, he ordered ACD Kathua and Executive Engineer REW Kathua to get all the polythene collected that were lying at different spots in their jurisdiction within two days.

He said officials have been asked to immediately stop entry of polythene into the state and increase vigil at Lakhanpur to ensure enforcement of the ban.

During his surprise visit, the minister was accompanied by Director RDD Jammu, R.K. Bhat, senior officers of RDD and other concerned officers.

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