Aizawl: In a significant crackdown on banned single-use plastic, a collaborative effort led by the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) resulted in the seizure of 1,800 kilograms of banned single-use plastic on Saturday.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Aizawl Superintendent of Police, Mizoram Pollution Control Board, and Bethlehem Local Council.
The confiscated materials were identified as primarily polythene bags that failed to meet the 120-micron thickness standard mandated by the Central Pollution Control Board.
Further investigation revealed that these banned plastics had been illegally imported from neighboring Myanmar by YB Lian, a resident of the Bethlehem area.
“These seized items are in direct violation of the national plastic ban and will incur penalties,” AMC officials said.
They further confirmed that YB Lian, who was found in possession of a substantial quantity of illegal plastic, is expected to face both financial fines and legal action in accordance with existing environmental protection laws.
This action comes as part of the Aizawl Municipal Corporation’s ongoing efforts to enforce the ban on single-use plastics within Aizawl.
The municipality has previously taken action against individuals found violating the ban to mitigate plastic waste and safeguard the local environment.
Notably, India implemented a national ban on single-use plastics, effective July 1, 2022, with the goal of reducing plastic pollution.
This ban specifically targets identified single-use plastic items that are low utility and have a high potential for littering.
The ban also includes regulations on the thickness of plastic carry bags, requiring them to be at least 120 microns thick.
