Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 09 2025: Underlining the scourge of plastic pollution, Environment & Climate Change director Dr T Brajakumar has appealed to the public to stop the use of single-use plastics for the sake of future generations.
He made the fervent appeal during a one-day awareness programme on single use plastic (SUP) bottles cum distribution of plastic bottle bank, organised by Netaji Memorial Club, Khurai Kongpal Thoubaldong in Imphal East district, in collaboration with the Directorate of Environment & Climate Change at the Club on Wednesday.
Director Brajakumar noted that although the government has banned the use of SUPs, they are still available in the markets with people using them as usual and without any concern.
"As long there is a demand, there would be supply no matter how harmful the product is for us.
As such, there is a need to stop the use of harmful plastics and this fact should be understood from our own homes," he remarked.
The director also noted that random dumping and disposal of plastics has caused extensive pollution, citing the same as a contributing factor behind flash floods.
According to the director, the state is plagued with various issues, environmental degradation being the most serious of all.
"It is uncertain whether our children would be able to live and breathe the same air as us in the future.
Thus, it is the responsibility of each one of us to ensure a safe environment and future for our children," he pleaded.
Stressing that the need to protect the forests, mountains and rivers, Dr Brajakumar called for special attention to the state of Loktak Pat.
"Instead of waiting for the government to act, we can take up small steps for its conservation such as refraining from dumping garbage in the rivers," he stressed.
The programme was attended by programme officer Dr Md Habibula Khan; SK Gainaimei; Netaji Memorial Club president Premananda Sairemcha; and Directorate of Craftsman and Skill Development ex-joint director Thokchom Manibabu as members on the dais.
As part of the programme, the department conducted awareness sessions for Kanglei Kanbi VLF of Ningthoubung Leikai, Palem Sintha VLF of Chingangbam Leikai, Salai Taret of Sajor Leikai and Lamyanbi VLF of Laishram Leikai.
The Department also presented a plastic bottle bank to the Club.