PDWMAIM distributes plastic bottle banks
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 24 2025: Spearheading the message that littered plastic bottles and other plastic wastes can be recycled and holds monetary value, the Packaged Drinking Water Manufactures & Allied Industries, Manipur (PDWMAIM) distributed plastic bottle banks to 34 beneficiaries at Sangai Hall of Hotel Imphal today.

Under the theme "Beat plastic pollution! Not plastic", the distribution ceremony organised by PDWMAIM was graced by RK Dinesh Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of MAHUD as the chief guest; Dr M Geetchandra Sharma, president, PDWMAIM as the functional president and Ng Uttam Singh, Director MAHUD and W Roshan, Member Secretary of Manipur Pollution Control Board as the guests of honour.

Other key Government officials, environmentalists and local leaders were also present at the gathering.

Delivering the keynote address, Thangjam Joykumar, Managing Director, Thangjam Agro Industries, said that PDWMAIM's goal is to spread the message of proper collection of plastic wastes and selling them to recycling units outside Manipur.

Terming plastic as one of the most useful inventions of the modem age, he said that a complete ban on plastic products is impossible.

However, improper dumping of plastic garbage causes pollution and poses health and environmental risks.

He encouraged people to bring their plastic wastes to PDWMAIM, saying that they will be bought for Rs 13 to Rs 15 per kg.

Following this, the waste materials will be sent to recycling units.

Addressing the gathering, chief guest RK Dinesh Singh stressed that burning plastic waste as a means of disposal is a major contributor to air pollution.

Stating that waste management of plastic is very challenging, he said that bringing solid wastes from its source to Lamdeng Solid Waste Management Plant involves three steps.

He shared that the 150 metric tons capacity Lamdeng Plant needs to be upgraded to 250 MT .

Curbing plastic pollution cannot be left to the Government alone, but requires collective public effort, he added.

A highlight of the event was the screening of a short film titled "Taru-Tanaan" produced by MAHUD.

The film highlights the challenges faced by the rural communities in Manipur due to plastic pollution and emphasizes the need for a collective effort to keep one's surroundings clean.

Meanwhile, Dr M Geetchandra Sharma, president, PDWMAIM, shared insights into the project and the design process of the plastic bottle banks.

He also acknowledged the work of Thangjam Kumar who played a key role in the design and collection efforts.

The campaign also saw impressive results with 5 metric tons of plastic bottles collected from various locations along with an additional 2-5 metric tons of other waste materials.

The ceremony concluded with a shared commitment to continue the fight against plastic pollution.

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