India, June 20 -- The Union Territory administration of Ladakh has imposed a strict ban on the use, sale, storage and distribution of identified single-use plastic items, with violators facing environmental penalties of up to Rs 10,000.

The decision was approved by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena as part of efforts to protect Ladakh's fragile Himalayan ecosystem from increasing plastic pollution and littering, particularly around tourist destinations.

Under the new regulations, individuals, commercial establishments, hotels and eateries found violating the ban on single-use plastics will be fined Rs 10,000. Littering in public places will attract a penalty of Rs 5,000.

The ban covers a range of items, including plastic cutlery, ...