Tripura Congress calls for statewide ban on flex printing, single-use plastics

On the occasion of World Environment Day, the Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee on Thursday demanded a complete ban on flex printing and single-use plastics in the state, citing their grave environmental and health hazards.

To mark the day, the Congress organized a public awareness program in Agartala, highlighting the escalating dangers of plastic pollution. Party leaders used the platform to criticize both public apathy and government inaction.

Addressing the gathering, senior Congress leader and former minister Sudip Roy Barman said that indiscriminate use of plastics—from food packaging to water bottles—was contributing to ecological degradation and public health crises.

“Most of our daily-use items are wrapped in plastic. This not only contaminates our food and water but is also linked to diseases like cancer. Plastic bottles are clogging our drainage systems, worsening urban flooding and hampering groundwater recharge. If we continue down this path, we are digging our own graves,” Barman said.

He also linked the environmental crisis to broader policy failures and hinted at vested interests blocking stricter regulations.

“If ministers themselves are involved in the flex printing business, how can we expect a ban to be enforced? Still, we urge citizens to stop using flex banners, plastic water bottles, disposable plates, glasses, and tea cups. The change must begin with us,” he added.

Tripura Congress president Asish Kumar Saha echoed similar concerns and underscored the importance of collective action to tackle plastic pollution.

“Plastic waste is a major contributor to the severe floods we have witnessed across Tripura over the last two decades. Ironically, flex banners—despite being banned—are still widely used by the government itself for publicity. The State Pollution Control Board has failed to act, and the ruling party continues to violate the very laws it enacted,” Saha said.

He emphasized that protecting the environment is not just the responsibility of the government but of every citizen.

“This year’s World Environment Day theme is ‘Beat Plastic Pollution,’ and we want to send a strong message from Tripura: the time to act is now,” he said.