Newmai News Network AIZAWL | SEPTEMBER 18 In an effort to prevent environmental damage caused by hazardous use of plastic bags, and also to tackle the growing plastic pollution, the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) is contemplating a city-wide ban on single-use plastic bags. Mizoram is a state where plastic grocery bags are used in large quantity in shopping and business sectors to cater customers. In recent times, concerns have been raised from various quarters over the growing plastic pollution in the state. The AMC has taken a drastic step towards checking the growing plastic pollution in the capital and encourage people to choose paper bags instead of plastic bags. Last year, the Corporation had asked all churches in the state capital to avoid using plastic plates and cups in functions. In Mizoram, plastic plates and cups are used in large quantity at community feastings during the festive season. As part of efforts towards banning hazardous use of plastic bags, the AMC would organize “No Plastic Exhibition” in Aizawl on September 20 and 21. The proposed exhibition is an effort to spread awareness about the environmental damage caused by the use of plastic bags and also to encourage people to choose eco-friendly paper bags to protect green environment, AMC Commissioner, Dr. H. Lalthlangliana told reporters at a press conference here on Tuesday. He said that at least 21 stalls would be opened at the exhibition where local products will be sold at a subsidized price of 20 per cent discount. Customers and visitors would not be allowed to carry plastic bags at the exhibition, he added. According to the commissioner, efforts have been taken by the AMC to check the growing plastic pollution in the state capital. He said that the Corporation is mulling over phasing out single-use plastic bags and replace them with paper bags over the next year to protect environment. The use of plastic bags in commercial sector has caused enormous environmental pollution in the state especially in the capital, he also said. Quoting the survey conducted by experts of Science Teachers Association, Mizoram (STAM) in 2017, Lalthlangliana said over 5 quintal of plastic bags are used and disposed every day by the residents of Aizawl. The growing use of plastic bag unless put on check can cause enormous environmental damage, he added. According to the commissioner, a self-help group consisting of women in some parts of the state came up with an initiatives to make paper bags with the help of newspapers and other waste materials, which gave them a new hope towards banning plastic bags.
