Drive against single use plastic carried out
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 26 2022:
A team of Imphal East District Special Task Force led by DC Khumanthem Diana on Friday carried out a drive after receiving reports of usage of single use plastics which were banned effectively from July 1 .
The team which consisted of representatives of Manipur Pollution Control Board, Urban Local Bodies, District Legal Services Authority Imphal East, Imphal East Police team and officials of the district administration conducted the drive at Konung Mamang (Palace Gate) and Andro Parking areas and seized the banned plastics from shops in the area.
The plastics were tested to see if they crossed the 100-micron threshold, while the shopkeepers were advised against using the banned plastics anymore.
Speaking to newspersons in this regard, Kh Diana reminded that single use plastics have been banned in the country under the instruction of PM Modi and in the state under CM Biren.
In Manipur's context, the Manipur Plastic Policy was formulated on June 20 and the single use plastics were banned effectively from July 1 .
Amidst the ban, there have been reports as well as visible sightings of use of the banned plastics.
The people are well aware of the negative impact of the plastics to the environment and the need for proper disposal.
Even so, people continue to use the plastics, the DC said and urged the people to understand the situation, stating that continued usage of the same makes one liable to face legal action under Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act.
Diana then informed that the seized items will be handed over to Manipur Pollution Control Board for proper disposal, while adding that similar drives will be carried out in other parts of the district.
The items seized during the drive included forks, spoons and single use carry bags.