IMPHAL — Manipur observed World Earth Day on the theme "Planet vs. Plastics" with the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change organising a state-level observation at its auditorium in Porompat office, Imphal East district, on Monday.
Vice Chancellor, Prof N Rajmuhon Singh of Dhanamanjuri University, Commissioner (Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development/Information Public Relations/Art and Culture) M Joy Singh and Director Dr T Brajakumar Singh of Directorate of Environment and Climate Change as presidium members besides Joint Directors Neeta Arambam and Ph Vivek Sharma were present during the state-level observation in Imphal.
Speaking at the event, Director of Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Dr Brajakumar, said that plastic has become a serious issue as it affects human health as well as the environment.
Stressing the importance of protecting the ecosystem, he said that they are trying to implement sustainable waste management practice in Manipur, as per the plastic policy which was notified in 2022, adding that they were distributing ‘Plastic Bottle Banks’ to the (educational) institutions under the green education programme to educate college students on waste management.
On plastic pollution in Imphal city areas, he said, “It will take time as we are fully dependent on plastics now. Lifestyle should be changed and also need to educate people at different levels step by step.”
Distribution of Plastic Bottle Banks to educational institutions, presentation of mementoes to those who pioneered in plastic bottles as well as other plastic waste management initiatives and release of environment-related information, educational and communication materials were the main highlights of the day’s observation.
The individuals who were honoured with traditional scarfs and mementoes included Thangjam Joykumar, founder of Thangjanm Agro Industries; Ksh Ibochouba of Kshis plastic industry; Sadokpam Itomba of GK Plastic and SJ Plastics; Helendro Maibam, Editor of Information Service Television Network; Kh Jyotin of Impact TV; and a representative of Apunba Manipuri Matam Eshei Kanglup.
The Ukhrul District Working Journalists Association in collaboration with Directorate of Environment and Climate Change also observed the day by holding a function and an essay competition for students at St. Joseph College Ukhrul.