Kohima, June 20 (MExN): The Governor of Nagaland has imposed a total ban on single-use plastics in Nagaland State with the view to “eradicate the menace of plastic and the serious environmental and ecological challenges posed by rampant use of plastics.”
This was stated in a Nagaland Gazette Extraordinary Notification released on June 17, signed by S Nyanbemo Tsanglao, Secretary to the Government of Nagaland. It is in continuation of the State Government’s notification on November 29, 2018.
Any individual, institution/commercial establishment (educational institutions, offices, hotels, shops, restaurants, religious institutions, industrial establishments, banquet halls etc.) will have to abide by the aforesaid “total ban” and “any breach shall be liable for penalties.”
The notification also stated that the District Administration/Local Bodies shall decide and levy penalties against the defaulters in their jurisdiction.
Furthermore, a District Task Force, already constituted in respective Districts, shall “strictly monitor and function as Squads for vigilance purpose and ensure imposing of total ban on stocking, distribution, selling and use of all single-use plastics.”
The total ban on all single-use plastics shall be “made effective after three months from the date of publication in Official Gazette in the entire State of Nagaland in the public interest and for the manufacturers, stockiest, shopkeepers to dispose off their stocks and no financial loss is caused to them.”
The said notification was issued with the approval of the State Cabinet in its meeting held on June 10 last and communicated vide O.M. NO.CAB-2/2013(N) dated June 12.
MMC bans use of various plastics
The Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) has notified that single use plastics less than 50 microns, including plastic cutleries, Styrofoam, thermocol disposable plates/cups, pan/tamul wrappers are strictly banned in all the 18 wards.
“Strict checking shall be done by MMC in coordination with the ward authorities and defaulters shall be penalized with Rs.1000/- (Rupees one thousand) for the first offense and Rs.3000/- (Rupees three thousand) for subsequent offence,” stated W Manpai Phom, ADC & Administrator of MMC, in a notification issued today.
It also banned packaged drinking water of less than one liter with effect from September 1 and complete ban on single use plastic with effect from October 2 within Mokokchung municipal jurisdiction.
The notification is in continuation of its earlier notification dated December 12, 2018, and March 5 last and in pursuance to the decision adopted in the meeting with Ward Authorities and MCCI on June 18.
The following single-use plastic* products shall be totally banned in Nagaland State 3 months from now:
(a) All plastic carry bogs, with or without handles, irrespective of thickness and size;
(b) Plastic cutlery including plates, plastic cups. Straws, stirrers etc.;
(c) Cutlery and other decorative made at Styrofoam (Thermocol);
(d) Polythene;
(e) Nylon;
(f) Poly-Vinyl-Carbohydrates (P.V.C.);
(g) Poly-Propylene;
(h) Poly-Styrene.
*Single-use plastics, often also referred to as disposable plastics (use-and-throw items), are commonly used for plastic packaging and include items intended to be used only once before they are thrown away or recycled. These include, among other items, carry bags, food packaging, bottles, straws, containers, cups and cutlery.
