Mizoram is upbeat with festive preparations with Christmas just round the corner. Excitement levels across the state are running high even as the churches and environmental organisations have pledged a greener Christmas.
The second largest church of Mizoram, the Baptist Church of Mizoram has decided to do away with any use of plastic and styro-disposables during Christmas festival which is always accompanied by mass feasts. The Baptist Church also urged all other churches to adopt a more environment friendly festivities.
The state Home Minister R Lalzirliana has already imposed ban on fire crackers and fireworks to curb pollution hazards.
Keeping in mind the consequential impact on people’s health, Mizoram Government has ordered a ban on the sale and use of fireworks across Mizoram for almost a decade now.
“Although this ruling has been welcomed by people who share the same concern for the environment and their health, it also seems to have put a crimp in the festivities for some who feel let down, but all out efforts for a green and pollution free festival are on,” said Rothuama Sailo, general secretary of Green Mizoram Network.
Green Mizoram Network, Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Network (Biocone) and other green organizations have served a request to all churches to avoid using styro and plastic disposables during Christmas feasts.
“Most of the disposables we use for these feasts are non-bio degradable which contains carcinogens and are health hazards for not only human beings but also animals and plants,” said a statement from Biocone.
On the governmental front, the Aizawl Municipal Corporation too has sent a request letter to all churches within its area to use bio-degradable plates as far as possible.