BAIHATA CHARIALI, Aug 30 - In order to create awareness about the harmful effects of polythene, a meeting was recently held at Baredala Borpukhuripaar Community Hall under the banner of the co-operative society there where a number of members of local self-help groups, women organisations and students participated.
Speaking on the occasion, Gautam Kumar Deka, former teacher of Rupkonwar Jatiya Vidyalaya said that though polythene and other plastic products are now part and parcel of our daily lives, but extensive use has been harming us like slow poison.
Deka briefly explained that polythene bags are a kind of plastic which are non-biodegradable and causes environmental pollution, they also undergo a process known as photo degradation in which they break down into smaller and smaller toxic particles.
Due to extensive use of polythene and it�s products, a number of physical illnesses may manifest in our body like irritation in the eyes, vision failure, respiratory problem, cardio-vascular problem etc.
On the other hand, polythene percolates into the soil and thereafter releases toxic chemicals and makes the soil less fertile. When it is thrown into water, it chokes natural water sources and causes harm to aquatic animals. Hence, a social movement against polythene should be taken out from this co-operative as the government has also decided to ban polythene from October 2 next.
Another speaker named Pulak Chamua also described the harmful effects of polythene and urged the public to avoid use of polythene at social functions in order to ensure a polythene-free environment.
The other speakers during their speech called upon the general public, especially those who live in rural areas to avoid plastic dishes, disposable glasses etc. in their religious festivals or wedding parties and instead encourage the use of banana leaf or other plates and bowls made from organic material.
