Mixed response to SUP ban
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 02 2022: As the ban on single use plas tic (SUP) came into effect from Friday in the whole state under Manipur Plastic Policy, 2022, the commercial area in Imphal city showed mixed response to the ban as some shops could be seen using paper bags while some still using the banned polythene bags.

As per notification issued in this regard by Manipur Pollution Control Board on June 27, ban on single use plastics below 75 microns, non-woven plastic carry bags less than 60 GSM, ear buds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, polystyrene (thermocol) for decoration, plates, cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straw, trays made of plastics, wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100 microns, stirrers, PET or PETE bottles less than 1 litre capacity for holding drinking water came into effect from July 1.Plastic carry bags less than 120 microns in thickness will also be banned from December 31, 2022, the notification added.

Mention may be made that the state pollution control board also took up similar steps in the past and even carried out drives against single use plastics below 50 microns.

However, the ban was effective only for a few weeks before things went back to normal.

This time, the ban is being imposed all over the country through a policy of the central government and as a result, wholesale shops in Imphal market are no longer selling polythene carry bags.

Some shops could be seep using eco-friendly paper bags on Saturday while some are still using the banned carry bags.

On the other hand, a huge gap between supply and demand could crop up in the market as there are only a handful of paper carry bag manufacturers in the state and they are also producing in small quantities.

The movement for using paper carry bags in shops gain momentum some three decades ago but it gradually died and plastic carry bags became a popular, cheap and sturdy choice leading to plastic pollution.

Despite the momentary gap in demand and supply, the ban, if implemented effectively, could provide income generation opportunities to many youths.

They can also seek financial support from the government to start their own venture for producing eco-friendly and affordable paper bags.

The government could also provide training and support on infrastructure development.

At the same time, the ban could bring back the good old habit of taking a carry bag while going out for shopping.

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