By - Akangjungla
World Environment Day 2025, with the theme #BeatPlasticPollution, highlights the urgent need to end plastic pollution. According to the UNEP, plastic waste exacerbates the triple planetary crisis, climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Every year, approximately 11 million tons of plastic enter rivers, lakes, and oceans. Meanwhile, microplastics contaminate soil through sewage, landfills, and agricultural plastics, further damaging ecosystems.
Like many regions in India, Nagaland faces severe environmental challenges due to plastic pollution. Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) such as polythene bags, straws, and disposable cutlery, clog drainage systems, degrade soil and harm the environment. Recognising this threat, the Nagaland government, in line with national policies, took steps to curb SUPs. The ban was a necessary step for environmental survival. Yet, years after implementation, weak enforcement has undermined its impact.
When Nagaland began restricting plastics in 2019, aligning with India’s nationwide phase-out, it was a welcome move. Public awareness campaigns educated schools, markets, and communities on the dangers of plastic waste. Authorities conducted raids, confiscating banned items and penalizing violators. There were small victories: cloth bags gained popularity in urban areas, and bamboo alternatives found niche markets. However, these efforts have not been enough. Enforcement remains inconsistent, while Kohima and Dimapur see occasional crackdowns, rural markets and roadside vendors continue flouting the rules with impunity. Shopkeepers complain that sustainable alternatives are either unavailable or too expensive, forcing reliance on cheap plastics. Moreover, the lack of a proper waste management system means even reduced plastic use doesn’t guarantee proper disposal. Discarded wrappers and bottles still end up in rivers and forests, proving that a ban without infrastructure is merely symbolic.
For this policy to succeed, Nagaland must impose stronger enforcement. The government should subsidize biodegradable alternatives, making them accessible to small businesses. Most crucially, investment in recycling plants and waste collection systems is essential. Without these steps, the plastic ban will remain an unfulfilled promise.
Nagaland has the chance to lead by example, showing that environmental protection is not just about laws but about political will and public participation. If the state is serious about preserving its natural heritage, it must enforce this ban with the urgency it demands before plastic suffocates the very land it seeks to protect.
Comments can be sent to akangjungla@gmail.com
