Dimapur, August 1 (MExN): The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) today stated that it “heartily” welcomes the Nagaland Government’s decision to impose a complete ban on all single-use plastics (SUPs) but with a significant caveat.
In connection with the latest ban, the DCCI reiterated that it will not entertain or tolerate any checks conducted by any organisation other than the district administration and the Police Commissionerate. According to the Chamber, whenever such directions are issued, many “zealous” unions and organisations tend to start harassing shopkeepers and business houses by conducting unauthorised checks and penalising them in the name of the SUP ban.
There have been many instances in Dimapur where individuals or unions act like legally appointed nodal officers or agencies to enforce government directives, it maintained. Every citizen of Dimapur has the right to voice their concern for a cleaner environment but not at the expense of penalising traders with huge fines and penalties, it added.
Nevertheless, the DCCI said that the ban on SUPs, if implemented effectively, would prove to be a boon for Dimapur as everyone is aware that plastic is the major component of all waste, affecting all ecosystems.
A couple of years ago, the State Government also tried to implement a ban on SUPs and, in compliance, the DCCI had requested all the business community in Dimapur to abide by the government's order, it pointed out.
The DCCI also requested the district administration and other concerned departments to conduct awareness programmes on the ill-effects of SUPs as many traders are unaware of why they are banned. The authorities should also hold group meetings with shopkeepers and traders and explain to them in detail the various aspects of the ban and penalties for violation, it suggested.
Any business community member having difficulty or confusion over the ban should contact the DCCI’s Grievances Cell, informed a press release from the Vice-President, V Shikuto Sema. The Government of Nagaland, among other items, has imposed a complete ban on SUP carry bags and bottles for water and soft drinks of less than 1-litre capacity, with effect from August 1.
