Illegal plastic factory busted in Manipur

A joint team of Manipur Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the police on Saturday busted an illegal plastic disposable glass manufacturing factory in Imphal West district.
During the raid at the illegal factory at Haorang Sabal in Imphal West district, the joint team seized a large quantity of plastic items prohibited under the single-use plastic ban.
Manipur has implemented a ban on single-use plastics, with strict enforcement starting April 15, 2025. This includes a fine of Rs 25,000 for the open burning of plastic.
Authorities have been actively conducting drives to seize banned plastic items and fine violators. The ban aligns with the broader national effort to reduce plastic waste and its environmental impact.
Saturday’s raid, which is a part of the ongoing drive to seize banned plastic items, was led by assistant environmental engineer M Bangajit of MPCB.
The joint team comprised officials from the MPCB and personnel of Lamsang police station of Imphal West which the busted illegal factory lies within its jurisdiction.
During the raid, the team discovered a large quantity of plastic disposable glasses and raw materials being used for illegal production.
Based on the findings, the Imphal West district magistrate and the officer-in-charge of Lamsang police have initiated legal action, and a dedicated team has been deployed for further investigation.
Assistant environmental engineer M Bangajit of MPCB stated that the factory, which operates under the name “Ema Industry,” was reportedly being run by individuals from Thangmeiband Leirunghanjaba Leikai, with one L Sachin identified as a key person involved.
Authorities suspect the factory was using non-biodegradable and banned plastic materials for mass production.
The plastic items, which are prohibited under the single-use plastic ban, were seized and transported in a mini-truck as part of the enforcement operation.
The authorities said that further seizures and legal actions will follow.
As a precautionary measure, the district magistrate has also ordered the immediate sealing of the illegal factory.
The MPCB has also issued a stern warning that the production, use, or sale of environmentally harmful plastic materials will not be tolerated and that such items must be disposed of responsibly, preferably through proper recycling methods.