In a step towards environmental protection and sustainable livelihood, plastic waste is being converted into cash through a community-led initiative in Heirok, Thoubal district.
The initiative, spearheaded by Self Help Groups (SHGs) of Heirok Part II Thokchom Leikai in collaboration with EcoNetwork Manipur, aims to curb plastic pollution while promoting cleanliness and income generation.
As part of the drive, SHG women, along with volunteers of EcoNetwork Manipur, collected plastic bottles and other plastic waste from designated collection centres across Heirok.
The collected waste was later handed over to Ashok Traders, who purchased the segregated plastic materials, thereby turning waste into a source of income for the SHGs.
The initiative has generated awareness among the public that plastic waste, once considered useless, can be recycled and reused responsibly. Residents were encouraged to segregate waste at the source and avoid dumping plastic on roadsides or burning it, which poses serious environmental and health hazards.
EcoNetwork Manipur President Sinthangamba Laishram appealed for public cooperation in supporting the ban on single-use plastics and urged collective efforts to protect the environment and combat climate change.
He also called upon the public to extend support to the steps being taken by the Climate Change Board and other concerned departments, including the Manipur Pollution Control Board, MAHUD, and the Directorate of Environment & Climate Change, to address environmental degradation and climate change impacts in the state.
