Drive against recycled plastic on
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 21 2011: Continuing drive against use of recycled plastics, officials of Manipur Pollution Control Board (MPCB) conducted surprise check in shops and hotels at Thangal Bazar, Paona Bazar and Palace Compound.

Use of recycled plastic, which is hazardous to health, has been prohibited under Plastic Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2011 and MPCB had already issued public notification against use and sale of recycled plastics in any part of Manipur.

Today's surprise check in shops and hotels was said to be have been conducted under strict instruction from Chairman of MPCB E Dwijamani.

During the surprise check, the MPCB official team led by Assistant Environment Engineer (Chemical) Kh Premkanta issued first warning to all the shopkeepers and hoteliers who were found using recycled plastic bags and made it clear necessary action including imposition of fine upto Rs 1 lakh and jail term of 5 years or both would be initiated under Section 15 (a) of Environment Protection Act, 1886 if they were found using recycled plastics in subsequent drives.

Taking to Hueiyen Lanpao, AEE Premkanta, who led the team, explained that eating consumable items wrapped in recycled plastics may lead to various health complications.

Apart from harmful germs, there are strains of chemical on these recycled plastics.

He pointed out that the Ministry of Environment and Forest; Government of India had already issued a notification on February 4 this year, prohibiting use of these harmful and hazardous recycled plastics under Plastic Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2011.Acting on the instruction of the Ministry, MPCB has been conducting awareness programmes and drives to prevent use of recycled plastics.

The MPCB official observed that for successful implementation of the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules in the state, a decision of the state Cabinet is essential.

So, a Cabinet memo has already been submitted and a decision is expected soon.

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