Nagaland formulates measures to eliminate single-use plastics

Dimapur, June 17 (EMN): To eliminate single-use plastics, the special task force (STF) on plastic waste management has agreed to bring out a booklet with sample of banned items to be sent to all urban local bodies and DTF for ready reference and to encourage the practice of carrying own bags while shopping.

This was decided during the first meeting of the Special Task Force (STF) on Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2021 and elimination of Single-Use Plastic (SUP) at the chief secretary’s conference hall on June 2 under the chairmanship of the state chief secretary, J Alam.

In this regard, the house has suggested to tie-up with telecom service providers to serve reminders in the form of SMS, flash message etc. to encourage shoppers to carry their own bags while shopping. It also agreed that tea stalls should use only stainless steel, glass, paper cups, earthen cups or any other permissible material other than plastic, a DIPR report stated.

It was also decided that penalties on traders/ vendors dealing with non-permitted plastics would be levied and collected on the spot.

Presenting the draft comprehensive action plan on elimination of single-use plastics, representative from the Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB), suggested extensive survey for identified single-use plastic waste generation. It suggested that shops, vendors and commercial establishments should keep two separate bins for segregation of waste at source.

In response, the chief secretary has stressed on the need to update waste collection system and suggested separate trucks or trucks with separate containers/ chambers to be used for waste collection.

On the issue of checking and inspection, the chief secretary reminded the house that intensifying inspection and monitoring of stockists and vendors of identified single-use plastics should be carried out stringently. He, however, asked to avoid harassments to vendors. He suggested that pre-information should be disseminated trough the print and electronic medium.

The chief secretary further suggested that allotted selling points should be made at the entrance of markets for sale of alternative carry bags instead of single-use plastic bags.

The house decided that each town/ ULB should have its own action plan according to their needs and situations. It further decided that the departments of Urban Development, Municipal Affairs and Rural Development should formulate its own working plan and bring forth the same for discussion and approval.