Dehradun, Sept. 16 -- The district administration in Dehradun has intensified its enforcement drive against single-use plastic across all 100 wards under the municipal corporation, with 1,776 commercial establishments inspected so far, officials said on Tuesday. The administration has deployed 50 sector officers to ensure effective implementation of the drive on the ground, they added. During surprise inspections under the drive, 762 commercial establishments were found to be using, storing or distributing single-use plastic, after which action was taken according to the rules. Challans were issued to 550 establishments, while fines totalling Rs.1.96 lakh were collected, according to the district administration. Officials said the enforcement drive has also resulted in the seizure and destruction of 532 kg of banned single-use plastic. The administration said the objective of the campaign was not merely to collect fines but to effectively curb the use of banned plastic and encourage greater responsibility towards environmental conservation among residents and traders. Alongside enforcement, the administration is also conducting awareness activities on the harmful effects of single-use plastic. Citizens and traders have been urged to refrain from using, storing or selling banned plastic and instead adopt eco-friendly alternatives. The administration said efforts to make Dehradun clean and plastic-free could not succeed through government action alone and required the active participation of citizens. It appealed to residents and traders to cooperate with the campaign and contribute towards making the city clean, attractive and environmentally friendly....