Single-use plastics banned in Nagaland; DMC to penalise defaulters

Dimapur, June 21 (EMN): Nagaland government has imposed a total ban on single-use plastics in the state with an aim to eradicate the menace of plastics; and in view of the serious environmental and ecological challenges posed by rampant use of plastics.

The announcement was made more than six months (November 29, 2018) after the state government issued a notice on the “Policy for Restricting the Use of Plastics in Nagaland.”

The total ban on single-use plastics will become effective in the entire State three months from the date of publication in Official Gazette “in the public interest and for the manufacturers, stockiest, shopkeepers to dispose off their stocks and no financial loss is caused to them,” according to a statement from DIPR.

The Official Gazette notification on the ban was made on June 17, 2019 with the approval of State Cabinet in its meeting held on June 6 this year, which means it will expire on September 16, 2019.

“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,” informed the update.

The notification stated that individuals, institutions or commercial establishments (educational institutions, offices, hotels, shops, restaurants, religious institutions, industrial establishments, banquet halls etc.) should abide by the rule and defaulters are liable to be penalised. It added that district administration and local bodies will decide and levy penalties on the defaulters in their respective jurisdictions.

It went on to say that District Task Force, which has already been constituted in respective districts, will “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 following single-use plastic products will be totally banned in Nagaland starting September 16, 2019:
* All plastic carry bags, with or without handles, irrespective of thickness and size;
* Plastic cutlery including plates, plastic cups, straws, stirrers etc.
* Cutlery and other decorative made of Styrofoam (Thermocol)
* Polythene
* Nylon
* Poly-Vinyl-Chlorides (P.V.C.)
* Poly-Propylene
* Poly-Styrene.

DMC to impose INR 2000 fine on defaulters

In view of the total ban on single-use plastics imposed by the state government, the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) has issued a public notice informing that individuals, institutions or commercial establishments in its jurisdiction that breach the law will be penalised with a fine of INR 2000.

A statement issued by DMC administrator Moa Sangtam informed that the ban will become effective on September 16 this year.