Malkangiri: Even as the government has put a ban on the use of non-biodegradable plastic in six major cities of the state, a woman self help group (SHG) in this district has started planning for the alternatives in tribal areas to overcome the situation in the coming days.
The members of Maa Mangala SHG of Linemen Sahi in Sadar area have engaged many women to prepare ‘thungas’(paper carry bags) since the polythene carry bags would soon disappear from the markets due to the ban to be imposed soon in other regions of the state.
This would not only offer alternatives to the traders, the group will also make money from thunga-making, said one of its members.
The women said the demand of paper carry bags would increase after the imminent ban of plastic. They are collecting old newspapers to prepare paper bags which would also contribute in keeping the environment clean.
The chief of the group Kalpana Roul said they had never seen polythene or plastic when they were kids. People used to make ‘thunga’ and even eked a living out of it.
Welcoming the ban, she said the group would make some money because of the plastic ban.
Many members including Tanu Maharana, Kamala Nayak, Rumpa Khan, Sabita Dakua, Puspa Bisoi and group’s secretary Lalita Mohanty were seen preparing ‘thungas’ at the community hall of the group after completing their daily chores.
PNN