State trailing others in cleanliness, says RK Dinesh
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 24 2025: As part of the initiative taken up by Packaged Drinking Water Manufacturers and Allied Industries, Manipur (PDWMAIM), to facilitate collection of used plastic bottles for recycling and promote a plastic-free environment in the state, a Plastic Bottle Bank distribution function was held at Hotel Imphal, here, on Tuesday.

Speaking as chief guest of the distribution programme, MAHUD principal secretary RK Dinesh remarked that the only area in which Manipur lags behind other states is cleanliness.

Calling the PDWMAIM initiates laudable and praiseworthy", he exuded confidence that distribution of plastic bottle banks to curb plastic pollution would help raise public awareness.

State trailing others in cleanliness, says RK Dinesh

"This is just the beginning, we need to move further ahead.

We should consider tagging the bottle banks with GPS to ensure timely collection of used bottles", he suggested.

The principal secretary also stressed the need to eliminate the practice of burning plastic bottles, noting that the same is a significant contributor to lung cancer in the state, apart from being a leading cause of air pollution.

Maintaining that solid waste management is not the sole responsibility of MAHUD, RK Dinesh called upon every individual to contribute his/her mite in achieving the goal and urged the public for proper upkeep of household waste so that it can be collected by the NGOs engaged.

He also noted that the Solid Waste Management Plant at Lamdeng, where around 150 metric tonnes of waste are disposed of daily, needs upgrade and made capable of handling at least 200 metric tonnes per day.

Underscoring the need for people to actively enrol in the waste collection initiatives undertaken by the municipality and NGOs, he said that a policy mandating public enrolment in such initiatives should be introduced to ensure broader participation and effective waste management.

RK Dinesh further stated that the waste collection vehicles introduced under the Smart City programme will be closely monitored to ensure they are operating efficiently and on time.

He appealed to the public to report any waste disposed of in inappropriate locations within the heart of Imphal by sending photographs, assuring that such reports would prompt swift action, with the authorities ensuring the waste is cleaned and collected within half an hour.

He also mentioned that waste collection services will be classified as essential services, so that their operations are not disrupted during bandhs and blockades.

MAHUD director Ng Uttam, who attended the function as the guest of honour, stated that there is currently no effective waste management system in place in the state.

He also expressed concern over the practice of burning plastics, which poses serious health risks.

Citing national figures, he said that only 12.3 percent of the total waste generated in the country is being recycled, and 19.8 percent is incinerated.

"It raises a serious question - what has happened to the remaining 67.9 percent?" he remarked.

The director also callen upon the public to understand which types of plastic can be recycled and urged people to use only recyclable plastics.

He clarified that not all plastics are banned, but only those with a thickness below 120 microns are prohibited from use.

Presided over by PDWMAIM president Dr M Geetchandra Sharma, the function was also attended by Manipur Pollution Control Board member secretary Dr W Roshan as one of the guests of honour.

Two short films, "Taru-Tanan" and "Best Practice", were screened during the event to promote awareness on plastic waste management.

A total of 34 beneficiaries were provided with plastic bottle banks as part of the initiative.