MAHUD Minister launches plastic bottle banks
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 26 2022: To pre-vent mishandling of waste plastic bottles in the State, Packaged Drinking Water Manufacturers & Allied Industries, Manipur (PDWMAIM) launched plastic bottle banks today.

The plastic bottle banks were launched by MAHUD Minister Yumnam Khem-chand in the presence of PDWMAIM president Dr M Geetchandra Sharma, Directorate of Environment & Climate Change, Joint Director Dr T Brajakumar, Manipur Pollution Control Board Environmental Engineer Dr W Roshan and AMEA president S Rishikumar during a function held today at Imphal Hotel, North AOC.

At the function, Thang-jam Agro managing director Thangjam Joykumar said that the launching of plastic bottle banks was an initial step taken up to ensure proper management of waste plastic bottles, specially packaged drinking water bottles in the State.

He further said that the initiative was also a part of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) of PDWMAIM.

Conveying that PDWMAIM had recently signed an agreement with few plastic recycling units in the State for using the waste plastic bottles collected in the plastic bottle banks, he continued that the plastic bottles would also be sent to bigger plastic recycling units outside the State.

He added that PDWMAIM has also designed a policy to buy waste plastic bottles from collectors at Rs 15 per kg .

The MD went on to maintain that they are planning to establish 50 plastic bottle banks in Imphal Municipality areas and other crowded places.

Speaking as the chief guest, Khemchand remarked that plastic bottles, specially packaged drinking water bottles have become a menace to the environment.

"Waste plastic bottles and plastic items are everywhere and dumping of it at water bodies and drains causes flash floods,"he added.

While stating that everyone in the State has to take responsibility to protect the environment, the Minister sought cooperation from the public in making the initiative of PDWMAIM a success.

He also assured that the MAHUD Department will extend all possible support in curtailing the threat of plastic waste and in protecting the environment.

Dr Brajakumar who attended the function as a guest of honor underscored the importance of coordination between the policy makers, executors and the citizens while implementing a policy for environmental conservation in the State.

He further opined that finding alternative ways and adopting effective strategies to phase out single use plastic bottles and items are must to minimize the threats of plastic to the environment.

Stating that NGT has been exerting strong pressure to implement an effective plastic policy in all States, the Deputy Director observed that introduction of plastic bottle banks in Manipur will surely reduce plastic pollution, if the citizens are responsive.

Dr W Roshan observed that there is a need to install more plastic bottle banks to prevent plastic littering.

He also pointed out that there are a few industrial units in the State which can apply for EPR.

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