In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has issued directives to the Chief Secretary JK Sinha of the state, urging the implementation of measures to eradicate the use of plastics in government offices, courts, schools, and colleges.
Chief Minister Professor Dr. Manik Saha said this while officially launching the Plastic Free Tripura campaign at Agartala Town Hall on Saturday.
“Using plastic is a detrimental habit. The utilization of plastic can lead to various diseases in the body, making it more harmful than addiction. There is an increased risk of diseases like diabetes and cancer due to the use of plastic. Therefore, it is crucial for everyone to be aware of its harmful aspects. The attainment of a plastic-free Tripura is only possible if people are well-informed. Plastic has been extensively used in the state for a long time, and the use of plastic packets, particularly in the market, has witnessed an alarming rise in recent years,” stated Dr. Saha.
Additionally, the Chief Minister directed the Chief Secretary to take necessary measures to ensure cleanliness and the elimination of plastic from all government offices, courts, schools, and colleges.
Dr Manik Saha urged the citizens to keep the household garbage in designated places and to take responsibility for the cleanliness of the area.
He said, “There are about 13,000 chemicals in single-use plastic. Among them there are about 3,200 chemicals which are very harmful to our body. Therefore, the use of plastic is causing various diseases in the human body”.
The Chief Minister also laid emphasis on conducting a massive campaign to stop the use of plastic.
He said, “Schools, colleges and neighbourhoods of the state should conduct public awareness programs about the evils of using plastic. All citizens should come forward with responsibility to build plastic-free Tripura”.
“In spite of repeated warnings at the administrative level, no action was being taken. In light of this situation, the Tripura State Pollution Control Board initiated the Plastic-Free Tripura Abhiyan with the goal of making Tripura a plastic-free state. The use of plastic has various adverse effects on social life, outweighing any benefits it may have. It can cause various diseases in the human body, including diabetes and cancer. It is crucial for everyone to understand the detrimental aspects of plastic. Awareness is the key to building a plastic-free Tripura,” emphasized Dr Saha.
The Chief Minister further emphasized that using plastic is a highly undesirable practice and it should be completely banned.
Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Dipak Majumdar said that this campaign program has been undertaken with the aim of making the people aware of the dangers of using single-use plastic and to make Tripura plastic-free.
Chief Secretary JK Sinha said that Tripura is the only state in the country which has not faced any adverse comments or fines in the National Green Tribunal Forum. This achievement goes to workers associated with local self-government bodies in the state including Agartala Municipal Corporation.
He urged everyone to buy the eco-friendly products being made by women associated with Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission to replace plastic which will also increase women’s income.
KS Shetty, Principal Secretary, Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Additional Director General of Police Saurabh Tripathi, Member Secretary of Tripura State Pollution Control Board among others remained present at the day’s program.
The Chief Minister unveiled a booklet titled “Plastic Free Tripura” on the occasion and a documentary on eco-friendly products made as alternatives to plastic by various self-help groups under Tripura’s Rural Livelihood Mission was also screened.
