JAN 21, 2026 (TBL/IMP): Ensuring cleanliness and proper maintenance of localities has become a collective responsibility of every resident. In recent times, the indiscriminate dumping of plastic waste has severely affected the environment, polluting water sources and natural surroundings and posing a serious threat to the ecosystem.
With growing concern over environmental degradation, various initiatives have been taken to reduce the use of plastic and promote recycling. Several private companies have also come forward to recycle plastic waste, marking a positive step towards environmental protection.
In Thoubal district, M/S Ashok Traders, based at Tentha, has been actively engaged in recycling discarded plastic materials. The firm has been collaborating with local Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in different localities to collect used plastic waste. After collection, payments are made to the SHGs based on the quantity supplied. This initiative has not only helped in managing plastic waste but has also provided an additional source of income to many women, supporting household livelihoods.
Through cooperation with clubs and women’s self-help groups from various localities of Heirok, Ashok Traders has been collecting used plastic waste, leading to a noticeable reduction in plastic dumping in the area. At present, Ashok Traders purchases used plastic waste at the rate of Rs 14 per kilogram.
On Wednesday, the Women Development Committee (WDC), Heirok Part II (Maning Leikai), which has been actively involved in social service activities, also contributed by collecting recyclable plastic waste gathered during drain-cleaning drives and submitting it to Ashok Traders for recycling.
Speaking on the occasion, Sunita Ningthoujam, Secretary of the Women Development Committee, said that the committee had been systematically collecting plastic bottles and other plastic waste found dumped indiscriminately in the locality. By segregating and storing recyclable plastic waste, the committee has been able to generate some income, which has brought encouragement and satisfaction to its members.
She further stated that although cleaning and waste collection is often a difficult and laborious task, earning income while contributing to environmental protection has helped ease the burden. The committee has been encouraging residents to segregate plastic bottles and recyclable materials at the household level so that these can be sent to Ashok Traders for proper recycling.
The Women Development Committee has been continuously carrying out social service activities to maintain cleanliness in the locality and to create a plastic-free environment. Along with cleanliness drives, the committee has also been organizing awareness programmes on environmental protection, door-to-door garbage collection, and waste management, with support from government initiatives.
The committee emphasized that environmental protection is a shared responsibility and called upon the public to actively participate with dedication and commitment. It also reaffirmed its resolve to continue monitoring cleanliness efforts, discourage misuse of plastic materials, and promote healthy environmental practices for the well-being of future generations.
The committee appealed to clubs and SHGs in various localities across Manipur to actively participate in plastic waste management initiatives and urged the authorities to provide strong policy support to make plastic waste reduction and recycling more effective.
Meanwhile, organizations such as Eco Network Manipur have also been taking significant steps in collecting and recycling plastic waste in Heirok, and their efforts have been widely appreciated by the public.
