DCCI welcomes ban on SUP, cautions unauthorised checking

DIMAPUR — The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has welcomed the state government’s decision to impose complete ban on all single-use plastic (SUP) carry bags and single-use plastic bottles for water and soft drink of less than 1 litre capacity, with effect from August 1.

In a press release, the DCCI said that the ban on SUP, if implemented effectively, will prove to be a boon for Dimapur as plastic is the major component of all waste, affecting all ecosystems.

The chamber reminded that a couple of years back, the government tried to implement ban on SUPs and in compliance, the DCCI had requested all the business community in Dimapur to abide by the government’s order.

“However, it was also noticed that many zealous unions and organisations started harassing the shopkeepers and business houses by conducting unauthorised checking and penalising shopkeepers, in the name of SUP ban,” it said.

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The DCCI also claimed that there have been many instances in Dimapur where individuals or unions act like legally appointed nodal officers or agencies to enforce government’s directives.

With regard to the latest ban on SUP, DCCI iterated that it will not entertain or tolerate any check conducted by any organisation other than the district administration and the police commissionerate.

Every citizen of Dimapur has the right to voice their concern for a cleaner environmental but not at the expense of penalising traders with huge fines and penalties, it maintained.

Meanwhile, the DCCI requested the district administration and other concerned departments to conduct awareness programmes on the ill-effects of SUP as many traders are illiterate and unaware why SUP has been banned.

Further, the trade body urged the authorities to hold group meetings with shopkeepers and traders and explain to them in detail about various aspects of the ban and penalties for violation. 

Also, any business community member having difficulty or confusion can contact the DCCI’s Grievances Cell, it said.