Noney readies for eliminating SUPs
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIO

Noney, April 11 2025: A first-phase consultative workshop on "Elimination of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs)" was conducted on Friday at the conference hall of Noney Deputy Commissioner's office premises.

The event was jointly organised by the district administration and the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change.

During the workshop, Noney deputy commissioner Dr Sharart Chandra Arroju informed the DLOs that an awareness campaign targeting Noney areas regarding the ban on single-use plastics will soon be launched.

This initiative will be carried out jointly by the Police Department, SDO concerned, and PHED.

Noney readies for eliminating SUPs

Dr Arroju further announced that a notification will soon be issued to all government offices and private institutions within the district, mandating the declaration of their premises as plastic-free zones.

This is part of a broader state-wide initiative under the Manipur Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, aimed at curbing the use of single-use plastics.

To ensure the effective implementation of the ban, the district will soon appoint a nodal officer and constitute a district-level task force in consultation with the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, the deputy commissioner added.

In his address, Dr Habibula Khan, programme officer Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, highlighted that as per the directive issued on March 28/2016, the manufacture, sale, and use of plastic and polythene products below 120 microns have been prohibited.

However, he noted that enforcement across districts has been inadequate to date.

The implementation of the directive in hill districts is the responsibility of the respective ADCs, he said.

Dr Habibula emphasised that from April 15, 2025, strict enforcement of the ban will be initiated across the state.

He also cautioned that a fine of Rs 25,000 will be imposed for incidents involving the open burning of plastic waste.

The workshop was attended by programme officer Gainaimei Kamei, DLOs from various line departments under Noney district, and staff members of the Noney DC office.

Following the workshop, a DLOs meeting was held to discuss preparations for the proposed visit of union minister of state (housing & urban affairs) Tokhan Sahu on April 16 and 17 .