Agartala: Tripura minister for science, technology and environment, Sudip Roy Barman, on Saturday joined Himalayan Cleanup, a drive against plastic waste, and said his department has taken steps to reduce plastic use.

The day was celebrated in 12 states neighbouring the Himalayan range as a part of a commitment to reduce plastic pollution in the hills.

Roy Barman told reporters that random use of plastic affects people's daily life from morning till night. He called for mass awareness campaigns to reduce the use of plastic.

"A study has said the weight of plastic disposed in sea water will surpass the weight of all marine life by 2050. Plastic waste harms marine life, contaminates soil and poses hurdles in rainwater seepage into soil," he said.

"Plastic is non-bio-degradable. If we try to destroy it, it produces harmful gases which can cause human death," Roy Barman said.

He said the department of science and technology has taken a few steps to stop the use of plastic. "Raids and seizures can't stop the use of plastic. If production is not stopped, the problem will not be solved. Awareness is the only solution," he added.

In 2015, the erstwhile Left Front government had imposed a complete ban on production, use and sale of plastic bags for carrying items.