Workshop in Paikgachha Calls for Joint Action to Stop Plastic Pollution in the Sundarbans

A workshop focused on preventing plastic and polythene pollution in the Sundarbans was held at the Paikgachha Upazila Parishad auditorium on Monday July 20.

Organized by the NGO Rupantar under its Sundarbans Protection Project the event brought together government officials journalists and community leaders to share experiences and coordinate environmental efforts. Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Wasiuzzaman Chowdhury chaired the session.

Speakers warned that the biodiversity of the Sundarbans a UNESCO World Heritage site is facing severe threats from unchecked plastic and polythene waste. To combat this project officials highlighted ongoing community initiatives including the distribution of 10,000 eco-friendly jute bags in forest-adjacent areas.

Since 2024 the project has mobilized 530 young volunteers across 17 upazilas through the "Youth for Sundarbans" forum. These volunteers equipped with advanced waste management training are actively working to raise public awareness. Additionally a dedicated 25-member journalist forum is publishing regular reports to keep the issue in the public eye.

During the open discussion participants urged strict enforcement of existing environmental laws and called for stronger partnerships between the government and the private sector. They also emphasized the need to promote affordable eco-friendly alternatives to daily-use plastics to gradually phase them out of the region.

Key attendees included Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Saikat Mallick Agriculture Officer Ekramul Hossain Forest Officer Prabir Kumar Dutta and various local administrative officers. Rupantar project officials Saki Rezwana and Deep Saha along with local journalists teachers and youth volunteers also addressed the gathering.