Ziro, July 1: In a major stride towards sustainable living and environmental responsibility, Deputy Commissioner of Lower Subansiri District, Smti Oli Perme, officially fulfilled her commitment of distributing 10,000 cloth bags free of cost to the Market Welfare Committees of Hapoli and Old Ziro. The symbolic handing over of the final installment took place at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hall on Tuesday, July 1, marking a milestone in the ongoing ‘Plastic Free Ziro’ campaign. Addressing the gathering, DC Perme encouraged Self Help Groups (SHGs) associated with ArSRLM and Bazar Welfare Committees to take this initiative beyond cloth bags by producing other household items like tablecloths and curtains using Apatani traditional designs. She also issued an order for a complete ban on the use, storage, distribution, and sale of single-use plastic carry bags across the district, effective August 15, 2025.
Supporting the initiative, ADC Himani Meena suggested establishing market linkages with major outlets like Vishal Mega Mart and urged SHG-linked NGOs to keep cloth bag prices reasonable while retaining the essence of Ziro’s cultural identity through locally inspired motifs and themed messages. She proposed printing occasion-based captions to boost demand and announced plans for joint inspections with market committees after the plastic ban deadline, warning that strict penal action would follow for violations. ‘Plastic Free Ziro’ was originally launched by former DC Vivek H.P in collaboration with Power Grid under CSR, resulting in the establishment of a cloth bag manufacturing unit in an unused government school hostel. The unit, run by SHGs, not only addresses plastic pollution but also offers employment and economic opportunities. These eco-friendly bags carry Apatani motifs and messages such as “Clean and Green Ziro” and “Plastic Free Ziro,” promoting community pride and environmental consciousness. The distribution of these bags free of cost through market committees is aimed at encouraging the transition from plastic to cloth alternatives. Present at the event were SDO Hage Tarung, CO Mide Bage, BMM Rimpi Tage, officials from ArSRLM, SHG members, and representatives from Market Welfare Committees.
