Even as the Government has imposed a ban on the use of non-biodegradable plastic in six major cities of the State, a woman self help group (WSHG) of Subarnapur district has started planning for the alternatives.
Members of the Maa Maheswari WSHG of Binka have engaged many women to prepare thungas and paper carry bags since the polythene bags would soon disappear from the markets due to the ban.
This would not only offer alternatives to the traders, the group will also make money from thunga making, said one of its members.
The women said the demand of paper carry bags would increase after the ban of plastic. They are collecting old newspapers for the purpose which would also contribute in keeping the environment clean.
Chief of WSHG Sabitri Meher said they had never seen polythene or plastic when they were kids.People used to make thunga and even eked a living out of it.
Welcoming the ban, she said the group would make some money because of the plastic ban.
Many members, including Nupur Maharana, Puspa Sahoo, Lopamudra Bishi and WSHG secretary Kamalini Sahu were seen preparing thungas at the community hall of the group after completing their daily chores.