Kamrup(M) bans plastic ahead of Mahashivaratri

Guwahati: Ahead of Mahashivaratri, the Kamrup (Metro) district administration has banned plastic items on Umananda Island in the city. Deputy commissioner M Angamuthu said the district administration has taken the decision to conserve the island’s ecology. “Our officials, police and NCC cadets will ensure nobody can carry plastic bags to the island. We will keep some paperbags at the Uzan Bazar ghat,” Angamuthu said.A popular Shiva temple is located on Peacock Island in the middle of the Brahmaputra, just opposite the office of the deputy commissioner. It was built by the Ahom King Gadadhar Singha (1681–1696).The administration has also taken special measures to ensure that the puja is conducted in an organized manner in the temple on Tuesday. The district administration had earlier taken several measures to give a facelift to the island after locals and several organizations complained about the deteriorating conditions of the temple and the island. “The temple is in a very bad shape. I’m not sure if the district administration will be able to save, repair and renovate it. Rather, I suggest it should be looked after by members of its trust. The role of the Archeological Survey of India or the state directorate of archeology is important here. It has potential and can be developed into a tourist spot. Connectivity is important. I think, a bridge will be of great help,” said Kailash Sharma, activist, Save Guwahati, Build Guwahati.Plastic cups, water bottles and food packets are a common sight around the temple. “There should be enough dustbins and large display boards in Assamese, Hindi and English that will urge visitors to refrain from dirtying the place,” said Bidyut Chakravarty, a visitor.