Manipur: Imphal authorities seize over 4.4 tonnes of single-use plastic, send for recycling

In a push towards environmental sustainability and effective plastic waste management, a coordinated enforcement drive by authorities in Manipur has led to the seizure of a substantial quantity of single-use plastic carry bags. Since April 19, 2025, approximately 4,464.64 kilograms of banned plastic items have been confiscated from multiple markets across Imphal city.

The extensive operation was carried out by a joint team comprising officials from the Imphal Municipal Corporation, the Manipur Pollution Control Board, the Department of Environment and Climate Change, and the Manipur Police.

The confiscated plastic is now being transported to Kakarania Innovative Systems Pvt. Ltd., a CPCB-authorized plastic recycling facility located in Byrnihat (793101), Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya. The transfer is being conducted in full compliance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules and under strict monitoring along the National Highway 2 (NH-2) route connecting Imphal to Byrnihat.

In a step to prevent any unauthorized reuse or resale, the seized plastic carry bags were pierced with iron rods before dispatch. M/S Ashok Traders, based in Tentha Marongband, Thoubal, has been assigned the responsibility of handing over the materials to the recycling facility, which is an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) registered entity approved by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The Manipur government has reiterated its appeal to the general public to abandon the use of single-use plastic items and adopt eco-friendly alternatives such as biodegradable or reusable carry bags. Authorities emphasize that continued public cooperation is crucial in the fight against plastic pollution.