To make Samdupjongkhar thromde a plastic-free town and to celebrate the environment day coinciding with Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen’s birthday, the thromde organised a recycled plastic waste exhibition on June 4.

About 90 students from Samdrupjongkhar PS, Samdrupjonkhar MSS, Dewathang PS and members of the youth centre participated in the exhibition.

Samdrupjongkhar Initiatives (SJI) also showcased products made of plastic waste to the public and students even though they were not a part of the competition.

The participants were judged based on relevance to the theme, innovative ideas or activities, replicability, sustainability and impact of the product in day to day life. The theme for the exhibition was ‘beat plastic pollution.’

Samdrupjongkhar MSS won the first and second prizes, Nu 5,000 and Nu 3,000 while the youth centre, which won the third position, won Nu 2,000.

The school’s vice principal, Ugyen Namgyel, said the school was happy that it won the first two prizes. He said the school had displayed plastic furniture and photo frames among others.

The youth centre’s manager, Phuntsho Choden, said the objective of the exhibition was to make use of much plastic waste. The centre displayed decorative items such as flowers, piggy bank and trees.

Thromde officials said the programme, which was conducted for the first time was held to create awareness among students and public on the impact of plastic waste, which was showcased through videos during the exhibition.

“It was also to motivate and encourage students to be creative with the waste they generate,” an official said.

Kelzang Wangchuk | Samdrupjongkhar