Peren, June 9 (MExN): The Peren District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) has decided to prioritise a ban on single-use plastics in the district, citing concerns over environmental degradation and public health hazards.
According to a DIPR report, the decision was taken during the DPDB meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner's Conference Hall, Peren, on June 8 under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister T R Zeliang, who also holds the Planning & Transformation and National Highways portfolios.
During deliberations, Zeliang observed that single-use plastics continue to dominate the economy because of their low production cost, despite their harmful impact on the environment. He noted that such plastics take hundreds of years to decompose, clog waterways, harm wildlife and release toxic microplastics into food and water sources.
Following discussions, the board unanimously resolved to constitute a committee to oversee the proposed ban. Deputy Commissioner Peren will serve as convener, with the Urban Development Officer as member secretary and representatives from PHED, DRDA and the Chief Medical Office as members.
The Deputy Commissioner, Hiazu Meru, also called upon town councils and ad hoc town councils in the district to create awareness among the public on reducing the use of single-use plastics.
The meeting further discussed the formation of an Officers' Club in the district to provide a common platform for officers from different departments. On the issue of Ntangki National Park, the board urged the Forest Department to coordinate with the Director of Ntangki National Park and the Divisional Forest Officer, Peren, for the proper functioning of the Director's office at the forest camp.
Earlier, the board reviewed the previous meeting's resolutions, including the adoption of Peren Government College and hospitals in the district. The Selco Foundation also presented its activities in Peren district through a PowerPoint presentation.
