Agartala, August 12, 2023: A drive against unscrupulous traders in Maharajganj Bazar led to clashes between administrative workers and local vendors. This latest confrontation comes in the midst of renewed efforts by the sub-divisional administration headquarters to enforce a ban on single-use plastic on Saturday.
The officials from the Food department at the administrative headquarters, along with Deputy Collectors Magistrates (DCMs) from Dukli, Agartala, Barjala, and East Circle, launched a comprehensive raid. The operation commenced in the city center before extending to Maharajganj market. During the IGM Chowmuhani’s operation, approximately 70 kg of single-use plastic carry bags were confiscated, resulting in fines exceeding Rs 10 thousand.
However, the situation escalated in the vegetable section of Maharajganj market, with administrative officials facing backlash from local traders. After engaging in discussions with business associations, a decision was reached to halt plastic transactions among vendors.
An official from the administration affirmed that their drive to make Agartala a plastic-free city remains steadfast, with fines being imposed on errant traders. Such enforcement operations are slated to continue in the forthcoming days.
The sub-divisional administration’s campaign underscores the broader commitment to curbing plastic pollution in Agartala, while the recent confrontations shed light on the challenges inherent in implementing and enforcing such initiatives within local markets.
