Agartala, October 19, 2022 : Tripura State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) organized a workshop at its office premises here in Agartala city on Wednesday morning to discuss the implementation of the ban on single-use plastic (SUP) items in the state of Tripura.
During the meeting, the Sub-divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and their officials discussed the provisions issued by the center and the Tripura Government.
The TSPCB Chairman – Prof BK Agarwala, explained the seriousness of the issue and its harmful impacts on the environment.
He advocated for intensive awareness and counseling with sellers and users to stop using SUP items before taking punitive actions against sellers and users of SUP items as per the provisions of the guidelines.
Besides, digital thickness measuring devices were distributed to all the SDMs and their officials to implement the ban on SUP items, especially polythene carry bags. This electronic instrument helps in measuring the accurate thickness of the poly bags. During enforcement drives, this instrument can help the officials to check the thickness of polythene bags and raise awareness among the sellers and users of this SUP item.
According to the guidelines, plastic carry bags with a thickness of 75 micrometers or more are allowed up to 31st December 2022. Therefore, carry bags with a minimum thickness of 120 micrometers can be used. Alternatives to poly-carry bags are now available in the market. Cloth bags, paper bags, or compostable bags are available at a price, and these are to be adopted by the people to safeguard the environment.
Prof Agarwala further stated that single-use plastics have a high carbon footprint and are non-degradable. This plastic waste remains in the water or soil for several years and gradually changes into microplastics, affecting the food chain system. Animals and plants are hugely affected by plastic pollution.
In the workshop, Khuswant Singh Sethi, Principal Secretary of the Department of Science, Technology & Environment (DST&E), emphasized urgent action to expedite the implementation of the SUP ban to protect the clean and green image of the Tripura state.
The District Magistrate of the West Tripura – Debapriya Bardhan, IAS, highlighted the crucial role of the SDM and their offices in enforcing the SUP ban.
From his experience, Bardhan pointed out to raise proper awareness about the harmful effects of single-use plastics on the environment, including human health.
Animesh Das, Director of the DST&E, welcomed the different proposals and spoke about the implementation of the SUP ban. He hoped people to accept the alternatives to SUP items in the interest of a pollution-free environment.
Earlier, the Member Secretary of TSPCB – Dr. Bishu Karmakar, welcomed the guests, and the Executive Engineer of TSPCB – Manas Mukherjee, proposed a vote of thanks.
