ANN Service

PATACHARKUCHI, Dec 24 - At a time when indiscriminate use of plastic has posed serious threat to the environment, and awareness drives are on under the aegis of the Government and various NGOs to avoid the habit of using single-use plastic bags and instead use alternative recyclable bags, a paper bag manufacturing industry was recently declared open at Haripur area of Pathsala.

It will perhaps bring relief to the people of the locality in helping them to change their habit of using single-use plastic bags. The small industry has a capacity of producing 60,000 bags per hour.

“It is very significant that the industry would henceforth be able to cater to the demand of providing alternative carry bags in place of polythene pouches,” said Ananda Khataniar, Brand Ambassador of the Forest and Environment Department after formally declaring the industry open in the presence of local people.

“The paper bags are convenient for everyday use by the people,” opined the director of Atlas Associates, which is a local company. He also informed that the paper for making the bags were being imported from China and USA. This is the first such industry of its kind in Barpeta district.

The proprietor of the industry hopes to distribute the bags at Barpeta, Nalbari, Rangia, Mangaldai etc., and spread it to other places in the coming days. In all, seven people have been employed in the production unit.

The price of each single-use recyclable waterproof bag will be Rs 40 to Rs 150 per kg, he informed.

Source: The Assam Tribune, Guwahati, Wednesday, December 25, 2019