Ziro, June 10, 2025 | Golden Jubilee Conference Hall
In a landmark step towards a greener and more sustainable Ziro Valley, Deputy Commissioner of Lower Subansiri, Shri Vivek H.P (IAS), handed over free cloth bags to members of the Bazar Welfare Committees of Hapoli and Old Ziro markets. The initiative is part of the ongoing ‘Plastic Free Ziro’ campaign aimed at eliminating single-use plastics from the district.
The distribution ceremony was held at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hall and attended by various dignitaries, including Additional Deputy Commissioner Smti Himani Meena (IAS), Circle Officer Smti Mide Bage, officials from ArSRLM, and members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and market committees.
Encouraging the stakeholders, DC Vivek H.P called on the SHGs associated with ArSRLM and market committees to turn the ‘Plastic Free Ziro’ movement into a model initiative for other districts across Arunachal Pradesh. He urged women-led SHGs to adopt innovative ideas, suggesting the production of other cloth-based items such as file covers, tablecloths, and curtains using traditional Apatani motifs.
The initiative, supported by Power Grid Corporation of India under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, has also led to the establishment of a cloth bag manufacturing unit in a repurposed government school hostel. SHGs have been engaged to stitch bags that feature tribal designs and awareness messages like ‘Clean and Green Ziro’ and ‘Plastic Free Ziro’, combining environmental consciousness with local cultural pride.
In a gesture to promote early adoption and discourage plastic use, the cloth bags are being distributed free of cost to customers through Market Welfare Committees for an initial period.
Members of SHGs and market committees pledged to carry forward the outgoing DC’s vision with enthusiasm, reaffirming their commitment to a plastic-free district.
The initiative not only combats plastic pollution but also offers a path to employment and economic empowerment—demonstrating how community-driven action can lead to lasting environmental and social change.