In a significant step towards promoting environmental sustainability and discouraging the use of single-use plastics, Minister-cum-Area MLA, Shri Samdup Lepcha, formally inaugurated the newly installed Cloth Bag Vending/Dispensing Machine at the Mangan Shopping Complex, Lal Bazaar.
The machine has been introduced as part of a broader initiative to create awareness among citizens about the harmful effects of plastic pollution and to encourage the shift towards eco-friendly alternatives. By installing this facility at one of the busiest marketplaces in Mangan, the administration seeks to ensure that every shopper has easy access to reusable cloth bags.
The Cloth Bag Dispensing Machine is designed to be simple and user-friendly. Shoppers can obtain a cloth bag by inserting a ₹10 coin, making it an affordable and accessible option for all. Additionally, for greater convenience, a QR code payment facility has also been integrated, allowing users to make digital payments seamlessly.
Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Samdup Lepcha emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in reducing plastic consumption. He highlighted that such initiatives, though small in scale, play a vital role in building long-term awareness and fostering community participation in safeguarding the environment.
The initiative has been warmly welcomed by local residents and business owners alike, who view it as a practical solution to reduce plastic waste in everyday shopping activities.
The installation of the machine is expected to serve as a model for other marketplaces across the region, thereby reinforcing the government’s commitment towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for Mangan and beyond
via IPR
