Firms producing half litre packaged water sealed
Source: Chronicle News Service
Thoubal, April 18 2023:
Packaged drinking water production units of "Eastern Lily", "Ereima" and "Laija Eeshing", the private companies which were found producing half litres of packaged drinking water that have been prohibited by the government, during a drive conducted jointly by Manipur Pollution Control Board and Thoubal and Khongjom police, have been locked down on Tuesday.
Following the notification issued by the government prohibiting production and sale of plastic products below 120 microns and packaged drinking water of less than 1 litre capacity, the authority concerned has been carrying out drives in various parts of the state.
As part of the drive, the combined team of Manipur Pollution Control Board, Thoubal police and Khongjom police under the leadership of Board chairman Dr Usham Deben Singh carried out inspection drives in Thoubal district.
During the drive, the team inspected the production unit of Eastern Lily Industries (OPG) Pvt Limited located inside the campus of Slopeland Public School during which 2300 cases/packs of half litre packaged drinking water bottles were found.
The production unit was immediately put under lock and seal by the inspecting team.
Production units of "Ereima" in Thouba Ningombam and "Laija Eeshing" in Wangjing were also found producing half litre packaged drinking water bottles.
All the bottles were seized and deposited at Thoubal police station.
In another drive at "M Enterprises" under Khongjom police station, half litre bottles along with preforms were also found and bottles and preforms were seized and kept at Khongjom police station for necessary legal procedures.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the inspection, Dr Usham Deben expressed strong resentment that despite the government order prohibiting production and sale of plastic products below 120 microns and packaged drinking water bottles of less than 1 litre capacity, a number of firms are still producing the same water bottles.
Therefore, to put an end to such activities and save the future generation from environmental hazards, the inspection was taken out and it will continue in various parts of the state.
He further informed that what course of legal action needs to be taken up against the firms found disobeying the government's order will be further discussed.
The team also inspected the Khagembam Priya Stone Crusher at Wangbal and were shocked to find the firm running without any valid license from Manipur Pollution Control Board.