BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 21st May 2025 : In a remarkable stride towards environmental sustainability, the Kamalpur Nagar Panchayat in Tripura’s Dhalai district has launched an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastics — compostable bags made from PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate), a biodegradable and chemical-free polymer.
This green initiative is in alignment with the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban and India’s broader push towards a circular economy. Officials confirmed that the bags are certified by the Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET) for their compostability and biodegradability. Unlike traditional plastic bags that persist in the environment for hundreds of years, these PBAT bags decompose within just 180 days.
Available at Rs 145 per kg (wholesale) and Rs 160 per kg (retail), the bags have been priced to ensure affordability for both vendors and consumers. But the initiative doesn’t stop at distribution — Kamalpur Nagar Panchayat has also launched extensive community outreach and awareness campaigns to educate locals on the importance of responsible plastic use and waste management.
“Our goal is to curb plastic pollution and encourage eco-conscious behavior at the grassroots,” an official remarked. “This is not just a policy — it’s a movement driven by the principles of Swabhav, Swachhata, and Sanskar.”
The project is part of a wider national framework under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, which promotes the RRR model — Reuse, Recycle, and Recovery — to address the mounting challenge of plastic waste. Across India, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are now taking similar steps, transforming environmental challenges into platforms for innovation and sustainability.
As India accelerates its march towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Kamalpur’s PBAT bag initiative stands out as a beacon of local leadership, proving how small towns can drive big change.
