"Change Your Lifestyle, Dump Single-Use Plastic": IMI’s Himachal Chapter Holds Workshop to Tackle Global Plastic Pollution
Shimla, June 12:
Plastic may have become part of daily life, but if we don’t act now, it’ll soon become part of our bloodstream. This was the resounding message as members of civil society, retired bureaucrats, and environmentalists gathered today at the DC Office’s Rozyana Hall in Shimla, where the Himachal state chapter of the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI), under the banner of Sustainable Development Forum Himachal Pradesh (SDFHP), hosted a one-day workshop on the global theme "Ending Plastic Pollution."
Presiding over the workshop, former Deputy Commissioner of Shimla Dr S.N. Joshi flagged the growing dangers of plastic waste and said it was time people not only talked but walked the talk on sustainable living.
“Discard single-use plastic, support the state’s buy-back policy and be a part of awareness drives. If we change our lifestyle, change will follow,” participants agreed.
Backing the thought with facts, retired IAS officer Dr Dinesh Malhotra, in a detailed presentation on the World Environment Day 2025 theme, pointed out that Himachal Pradesh generated a staggering 3.36 million tonnes of plastic waste in 2018-19 alone.
“That’s not just data—it’s a danger signal. But Himachal isn’t sitting idle. From banning single-use plastic to launching the buy-back policy in 2019, the state has taken a string of proactive steps,” he said.
Dr Malhotra lauded the campaigns like “Polythene Hatao – Paryavaran Bachao” and innovative alternatives like leaf-plate making machines and using plastic in road construction.
“We also have state-specific legislation. This shows Himachal is walking the talk,” he added.
Dr M.P. Sood, SDFHP’s State Secretary and former Municipal Commissioner of Shimla, welcomed all participants and emphasized the need for collective civic action.
“We all say plastic is a problem. But are we willing to carry a cloth bag instead of grabbing a plastic one at the next shop?
Change begins with these small acts,” he said.
Joining online, IMI President and former Chief Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh Ramesh Negi delivered a comprehensive address on the global and national scenario of plastic pollution.
He urged Himalayan states to stay ahead in adopting green practices, given their fragile ecosystems.
The event also saw participation from former MP of Sikkim P.D. Rai and former IMI President Sushil Ramola, along with several government officers, representatives from voluntary organizations, and green warriors.
The workshop, organized by IMI’s state chapter, reinforced one clear message—plastic is choking the mountains, and if we want to breathe clean air and drink clean water, we better clean up our act. Starting now.
#PlasticFreeHimachal #SustainableLiving #BanSingleUsePlastic #IMIWorkshop2025
