Over 430 Kgs of SUP products seized since Apr 15
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 06 2025: So far 430.72 Kgs of single use plastic products have been seized by authorities from different parts of the valley districts.

According to an official report from the Manipur Pollution Control Board (MPCB), joint teams of MPCB, Directorate of Environment & Climate Change, urban local bodies and Municipal Councils have been carrying out drives against single use plastics at important market places from April 15 onward after the Government banned the particular products.

The authorities collected/seized 215 Kgs of single use plastic products from Khwairamband Ima Keithel and due actions were taken up action against six violators.

During one such drive at Lilong market, 4.8 Kgs of single use plastic products were recovered/seized and one violator was pulled up.

From Thoubal Bazar, the joint teams seized 62 Kgs of single use plastic products and due actions were taken up against three violators.

Along with the seizure of 42.4 Kgs of single use plastics from Wangjing Bazar, four violators were also fined.

One violator was pulled up from Heirok Bazar where 20 Kgs of single use plastic products were confiscated.

The drive at Kakching Bazar led to seizure of 61.52 Kgs of single use plastic products where four violators were penalised.

Four individuals who violated the ban were penalised at Bishnupur Bazar area apart from recovering 29.69 Kgs of single use plastic products.

In addition to seizing the banned plastic items, the authorities carried out awareness campaigns simultaneously to educate stakeholders and all citizens on the banned SUP items.

The awareness campaigns encouraged citizens to promote sustainable alternatives like cloth, paper, jute bags and replace the banned items by biodegradable products.

Such awareness campaigns were carried out at Khwairamband Ima Keithel, Andro Parking Keithel, Singjamei and Khurai Lamlong Bazar.

The authorities said that they will continue the awareness campaign at other major markets of the State.

Altogether 23 individuals who violated the ban were warned of stricter legal action, including withdrawal of shop licenses if they commit the same offence again.

Local carry bags made of clothes were also introduced at the markets, especially for street vendors during the drive cum awareness campaign.

The drive was conducted with the aim to curb illegal use, sale, and distribution of banned single-use plastics (SUPs) as notified under the Plastic Waste (Management) Rules, 2021, said an MPCB official.

While welcoming the steps being taken up by the concerned authorities, one woman asked whether the authorities will be able to ban single use plastic products totally and effectively.

Such drives were seen several times in the past but after some months, single use plastic products flooded the markets and such products could be seen everywhere, she added.

Despite the ban and drives, plastic carry bags continue to be used all over.

Items like dressed fish, chicken, pork etc continue to be packed in plastic carry bags and shoppers continue to rely on plastic carry bags.

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