The Government of Manipur has launched a drive against the use of plastic bags which are less than 50 microns thick.
It may be mentioned here that the state government had issued a notification banning plastic bags under 50 microns in September last year.
The Manipur Pollution Control Board will also set up centres in every district of the state to collect plastic wastes. Board officials had earlier seized more than 1,400 kilograms of plastic bags during recent searches in various parts of Imphal.
The seized plastic bags would be used in road construction by the authorities, on a trial basis.
The Board has also made provisions of jail term of five years or fine of one lakh rupees, for using and stockpiling plastic bags from August.
(Inputs from AIR)