Us of Single-Use Plastics has been banned with immediate effect within the limit of Tuensang Town Council. (Pixabay Image | For Representational Purpose only)
Tuensang, May 19 (MExN): The ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) within the limit of Tuensang Town Council has been imposed with immediate effect to eradicate the menace of plastic and serious environmental and ecological challenges posed by rampant use of plastics. This was notified by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) & Administrator Tuensang Town Council, Thungchanbemo Tungoe.
The Single-Use Plastic products indentified to be banned include: All the carry bags, with or without handles, irrespective of thickness and size; Plastic cutlery including plates, plastic cups, straws, trays, etc; Cutlery and other decorative made of Styrofoam; Polythene; Nylon; and Poly-Vinyl-Chlorides.
“Single-Use Plastics are often referred to as disposable plastics commonly used for packaging and included 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, plastic cups, and plates,” the notification issued through the DIPR stated.
Every individual, institution/commercial establishment, educational institution, office, hotel, shop, restaurant, religious institutions, industrial establishments, banquet halls, etc should abide by the aforesaid total ban and any breach shall be liable for penal action along with the fine amounting to Rs 2000, it stated.
The manufacture of single-use plastics below 120 microns in thickness w.e.f September 30, 2022 and manufacture of non-woven plastic carry bags shall not be less than 60 gram per square meter w.e.f September 30, 2022.
The manufacture of the following items to be banned completely w.e.f 1st July 2022: Earbuds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice cream sticks, and polystyrene for decoration; Plastic cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straws, trays, wrapping or packaging films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, and plastic or polyvinyl chloride banners not less than 100 microns.
“To oversee the adherence of the public in general to the ban, Inspector and officials of the Tuensang Town Council have been authorised to carry out inspections and levy fines against the defaulters,” the ADC stated.
