As part of its effort to make Aizawl a plastic-free city, the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Tuesday organised a “plastic-free” rally in the state capital to make people aware of the harmful effects of plastic and reduce its use.

The rally from Chanmari to Sikulpuikawn was addressed by chief secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo. Several officials and mayor P.C. Lalhmingthanga also took part in the rally.

The corporation has banned single-use plastic bags and other plastic products of less than 50 microns from August 1.

Speaking on the occasion, Chuaungo lauded the corporation’s efforts to ban single-use plastic bags and other plastic products of less than 50 microns in its area.

He pointed out the harmful effects of plastic on health and the damages caused to the environment.

The chief secretary called upon the participating students to take a pledge to reduce use of plastic and educate others about harmful effects of plastic. Lalhmingthanga also appealed to the people to avoid single-use plastic bags and contribute for a “plastic-free Aizawl” campaign.

Students from 14 schools here took part in the rally and the participants took a pledge to reduce use of plastic.

It has been estimated that more than 67,590 families stay in Aizawl and at least four quintals of plastic products are used everyday in the state capital for commercial and other purposes.

Over 159 tonnes of solid wastes are collected daily by the corporation.