Staff REPORTER
ITANAGAR, Aug 26: The Arunachal Pradesh Bio-Green Manufacturers Association (APBGMA) has urged the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) District Administration to strictly enforce the ban on single-use plastic carrier bags, citing the need to protect the environment and promote a cleaner and greener Arunachal Pradesh.
Addressing reporters at the APC here on Wednesday, APBGMA president Sharma Singhi said plastic carrier bags continued to be sold in local markets despite the ban and questioned the lack of effective enforcement.
He stressed that plastic poses serious environmental concerns and called upon manufacturers and businesses to gradually replace conventional plastic products with environmentally friendly alternatives.
Singhi said the APBGMA was preparing to launch an “anti-plastic movement” after 30 days, which would be followed by inspections and awareness activities across the ICR. The proposed drive would begin from Akashdeep and cover areas including Vivek Vihar, Ganga, Chandranagar and Chimpu in Itanagar before extending to Naharlagun.
He urged the district administration to ensure effective implementation of the existing ban and take appropriate action against violations. He also called for accountability of officials responsible for enforcing the regulations.
The association further appealed to plastic manufacturers, traders and other businesses to shift towards biodegradable and other eco-friendly alternatives, including biodegradable bags and tissue products.
Singhi said the association was also preparing to introduce biodegradable products as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic.
The APBGMA maintained that effective enforcement, coupled with greater public awareness and participation from businesses, would be essential for building a “Green and Clean Arunachal” and reducing plastic pollution in the State.