RIMS launches plastic-free campus drive

The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, today launched a Plastic-Free Campus Drive under the Swachhta Action Plan 2025-26, reaffirming its commitment to building a clean, green, and sustainable environment. The campaign was led by Prof. G. Sunil Kumar Sharma, Director of RIMS, and covered approach roads, hostels, the hospital complex, the Dental College, the College of Nursing, and other academic departments.
During the drive, officials noted that the stretch between Gate No. 1 and Gate No. 2 was heavily littered with gutkha packets, cigarette butts, and plastic bottles. Street vendors were advised not to occupy the area, while authorities clarified that parking and vendor relocation requests had already been submitted to the State Government for a cleaner entrance zone.
The institute reminded that the Supreme Court has upheld COTPA 2003, prohibiting the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions. This is reinforced by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s ToFEI guidelines, which mandate prohibition boards.
RIMS authorities urged students, faculty, staff, and the community to join hands in making the institute a model for eco-friendly practices. The drive saw active participation from faculty, staff, doctors, and students.