Rs 1 lakh fine for defying plastic ban: MH Khan
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 25 2022: Additional chief secretary (Forest, Environment & Climate Change) MH Khan has informed that the state cabinet approved 'Manipur Plastic Policy, 2022', will be implemented from July 1 onwards.

The Directorate of Environment and Climate Change organised a Sub-Editors' Meet on "Climate Change Reporting and Award of the 3rd State Level Media Fellowship on Climate Change Reporting-2022-23", at its conference hall, Porompat on Saturday.

In his speech, MH Khan informed that Manipur Plastic Policy, 2022 will come into effect from July 1.Anyone found using plastic items in violation of the provisions in the policy would be liable for a jail term of 6 months and a fine of Rs 1 lakh, he conveyed.

He further stressed the need for focussing on water shed management projects on top of the restoration project of Loktak Lake.

There is the need to improve the livelihood of nearby residents of the Lake, he said, while informing that the state government is currently pursuing funding from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for a mega project.

MH Khan also iterated the need for an adaptation plan and as such, urged the officials of the Directorate to take the initiative for preparing a plan.

The climatic condition in the 1980s was drastically different from the present.

Manipur is now facing frequent manmade/artificial floods, which indicates the need for proper land use planning.

The government alone cannot deal with climate change but needs the support and cooperation of the people.

The media also plays a pivotal role in this regard, he asserted.

Speaking on the occasion, Indian Institute of Sciences (IISc), Bangalore retired professor NH Rabindranath highlighted the importance of disseminating infor mation regarding climate change to the masses and further stressed the need for the state government to, prepare a 'State Adaptation Plan'.

He said that Manipur should focus on reducing vulnerability to climate risks, build resilience and promote adaptation programmes and policies, including clear policies and priorities on mitigation and adaptation.

Directorate of Environment and Climate Change director Dr Y Nabachandra Singh revealed that efforts are underway to finalise the Manipur State Action Plan on Climate Change Version-2 report by July.

He then emphasised the need for formulation of a transport policy to reduce the pollution level in the state.

The programme was also attended by Directorate of Environment and Climate Change joint director Dr T Brajakumar along with editors and sub-editors of electronic and print media.

As part of the programme, the Fellows of the 2nd State Level Media Fellowship on Climate Change Reporting' were presented with completion certificates.

The 10 recipients of the 3rd State Level Media Fellowship on Climate Change Reporting-2022 were also announced on the occasion.

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