Kohima to intensify ban on single-use plastics

DIMAPUR — Intensifying its effort to ban single-use plastics in the district, the Kohima district task force (DTF) on single-use plastics (SUP) has decided to penalise defaulting stockists and retailers without prior warning as per its resolution adopted on July 19, 2022.

The decision to this effect was taken during its meeting held on October 31 under the chairmanship of the deputy commissioner and chairman of DTF, Kumar Ramnikant, in his office’s conference hall. The meeting was held with the aim of gathering ideas and strategies from members to tackle the challenges arising from the extensive use of single-use plastic within the district, stated a DIPR report.

It stated that the members have decided to strictly implement the prescribed thickness in microns in accordance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules, while it also decided to impose penalties on stockists and retailers without prior warnings as per its resolution adopted on July 19, 2022.

The house also decided that all seized SUP items should be stored with the Kohima Municipal Corporation (KMC) for proper disposal.

In this regard, it requested All India Radio for extensive awareness programmes in addressing the hazardous effects of SUP and government regulations.

The members further decided to make it mandatory to display a notice in all shops conveying that they do not use or promote single-use plastic items and encourage customers to bring their eco-friendly carry bags.

Further, it was decided that a comprehensive awareness campaign, in collaboration with Zub Zub India, would be conducted regularly. The district task force also planned to conduct ‘plogging exercises’ to sensitise the public of Kohima district to the issue of single-use plastic.

Meanwhile, the DTF chairman urged all members to actively engage in the endeavours and become agents of change by emphasising on the need for full cooperation to eradicate the menace of single-use plastic in the district.

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