Former Gauhati University Vice Chancellor Dr Amarjyoti Choudhury on Sunday held plastic use responsible for the growth of many diseases like cancer.
“Plastic is posing threat to health. People have been suffering from cancer like diseases because of plastic,” noted academician Dr Choudhury said while addressing an oath-taking ceremony on ‘Beat plastic pollution’ organized by Aarohan Samaj, an NGO at Guwahati Press Club in the city on Sunday.
Dr Choudhry, who was present as the chief guest, said, “People are not using plastic wisely.”
Stating that people have been misusing science and technology, Dr Choudhury said, “Plastic is an important invention of science. But misuse of plastic is the main reason of the negative impact on the environment as well as ecosystem.”
Speaking on the occasion, Manoj Kr Das, NEDFi deputy general manager and former director of Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, said, “The biggest problem of modern age is the plastic.”
He questioned, “Do we really need science-based life or should we go back to the earlier age?”
Das said, “I felt shame of being an Indian while I went to European countries. We are on the verge of self-destruction.”
While citing an example of Deepor Beel, a Ramsar Site, which has been polluted due to dumping of wastes of the city, Das said, “There should be a proper disposal system of plastic. Plastic is our friend, not enemy. But we should use it wisely.”
He also said, “Petrochemical industry has a very good contribution to the human civilisation. But we have to train the new generation how to make use of the plastic products.”
Arindam Garg, head of the Department of Management, Rajiv Gandhi University and chief advisor of Aarohan Samaj, presented a video on how plastic affects the ecosystem.
Stating that recycling of plastic is not possible, Garg added, “The Government has some norms on use of plastic. It is doing its work. But the common people must take initiatives to save the animals and birds from plastic pollution.”
He also said, “Plastics disrupt reproductive, endocrinal and development systems. Plastics should not be burned. It harms the environment.”
Garg urged to make use of reusuable bags instead of plastic bags.
“Plastic is an integral part of life. We cannot curb it out completely. But we can reduce its use.
Dr Choudhury, who is the Vice Chancellor of Down Town University, also said, “Aquatic life has been affected by plastic,” adding, “Plastic use is also behind soil pollution.”
Singer Bhrigu, who also spoke on the occasion, cited example of Dubai where there is a proper disposal system of plastic.
He said, “Plastic is also banned in Bangladesh. We have to be very careful in use of plastic products.”
The inaugural speech was delivered by Aarohn Samaj president Krishna Garg.