Ban on plastics in State soon: CM
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, June 05 2018:
Chief Minister N Biren Singh has said that the State Government is planning to impose a ban on the use of plastics in the State soon.
Speaking as the chief guest at the launch of Cherry Blossom Avenue at Luwangshangbam in Imphal East District on the occasion of World Environment Day today, the Chief Minister said that a notice would be issued by the Government soon to instruct the shopkeepers to replace plastics with alternative materials within three months.
It is a part of the Government's efforts towards imposing a complete ban on the use and sale of plastics in the State, he added.
Expressing serious concern over the ever increasing rate of health hazards caused by pollution and environmental degradation, N Biren assured that youth clubs and other voluntary organisations which are willing to take up waste management activities in their respective localities, would be provided financial assistance by the Government.
Informing that some private entrepreneurs had started coming forward with the idea of producing materials which can replace plastic items, the Chief Minister observed that the campaign against pollution and for environment protection would be successful only when the people extend collective cooperation to the Government.
He also informed the gathering that a 7 km long stretch of Yangoi Maril, chocked with a huge volume of plastic materials/wastes accumulated during the course of the last 30-40 years, was cleaned recently.
On the other hand, urging the All Manipur DPC Completed Candidates of Police Constable (Male -2013) to call off their ongoing shutdown agitation, the Chief Minister contended that the Government is trying to declare the results of the police constable recruitment examination held in 2013 as soon as possible.
He added that the Government is taking time to study and sort out all the legal matters so that no unnecessary hassle crops up later on.
Speaking at the occasion, Public Health Engineering Minister L Dikho said that Manipur is a wonderful creation of God and is blessed with healthy climate, beautiful lakes, rivers, valley and hills.
As such, it is the responsibility of the people of this land to protect its beauty, he added.
Agriculture Minister V Hangkhanlian said that Manipur used to have a calm and good climate in the past.
However, there has been a considerable increase in the temperature in the past few decades and now, it is becoming hard to sit inside a room without an air conditioner, he said.
Imphal East Zilla Parishad Adhyaksha P Bimola Devi, Advisor to Chief Minister Rajat Sethi, Chief Secretary Dr J Suresh Babu and Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) Director Dr Dinabandhu Sahoo also attended the function as dignitaries.
The function was organised by IBSD to coincide with the World Environment Day.
The Chief Minister unveiled a plaque to mark launch of the Cherry Blossom Avenue.
He along with the dignitaries also planted Cherry Blossom saplings.