Ban on SUPs effective from today
With the ban on Single Use Plastic (SUP) comes into effect from August 1, 2024, an awareness-cum-meeting on SUPs was held at the DC office conference hall, Kohima on Wednesday. DC Kohima, Kumar Ramnikant, who chaired the meeting highlighted on the state government order to ban all single-use plastic and bottled water below 1 litre starting from August 1, 2024. All SUPs carry bags irrespective of microns and SUP bottles for water and soft drinks below1 litre will be banned.
He said the ban has been imposed to eradicate the serious environmental and ecological challenges posed by rampant use of single-use plastics and single use plastic bottles in the State.
He informed that district administration/District Task Force (DTF)/Local Bodies will impose penalties against the defaulting business establishments in their respective jurisdiction, with a penalty of Rs.10,000 for first offence, Rs. 20,000 for second offence and for subsequent offence their permit will be cancelled.
In this connection, he informed that two teams will conduct simultaneous checks after July 31 in Kohima town. He also highlighted the challenge of plastic demand and the ongoing awareness efforts, emphasizing the importance of sustained awareness to combat the issue.
At the meeting, Neikhozo Suokhrie, chairperson of Kohima Municipal Council, pledged full support to assist the government in spreading the message through awareness campaign and various means.
KMC administrator Lanusenla Longkumer Peseyie acknowledged previous unsuccessful implementations emphasizing the importance of effective implementation alongside ongoing awareness campaigns in schools and community meetings.
Lanusenla, also suggested exploring Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach to address recycling challenges and informed that KMC plans to distribute reminders by giving pamphlets and leaflets in all shops.
Highlighting the existing operational recycling plant in Lerie and two in-house recycling facilities, she underscored the ongoing PPP initiative to enhance recycling efforts. She said the current recycling capacity was 23 metric tons per day.
She also emphasized the necessity of unity and a concerted effort to successfully address the issue.
Representative from Midland Panchayat also echoed the need to establish a mechanism to monitor and restrict plastic imports.
A representative from Federation of Nagaland Packaged Drinking Water Manufacturers Association (FNPMA) appealed for time to retrieve their goods. They expressed concerns about the government’s decision to halt manufacturing in Nagaland while continuing to import goods from neighboring states like Assam, especially noting the prevalence of plastic-wrapped grocery items from Assam.
Underlining their substantial investment in packaged drinking water, with 80% of sales dependent on the 1-liter bottle, the representative emphasized the employment of over 1000 families at stake if their business operations cease. They expressed doubts about the feasibility of completely eliminating plastic usage.
A beverage dealer, sharing similar worries, disclosed that their business in Nagaland amounts to Rs. 50-60 crores and therefore urged the government to address their concerns and requested compensation for potential losses if no buffer time was provided to sell or retrieve products.
Sokhriezie Market Committee acknowledged the challenge of entirely avoiding plastic and proposed a system for the collection of used plastic with a monetary incentive. Emphasizing the need for strict enforcement to ensure the success of the initiative, they advocated for stringent actions against offenders. They also recommended considering alternative arrangements for fish sellers dealing with live fish.
Member of Kohima Village Council expressed concerns about being a consumer state heavily reliant on external supplies. Highlighting the difficulty in halting outside stock completely, they emphasized the importance of addressing plastic accumulation, recycling, and reuse alongside implementing a complete plastic ban.
Delivering the concluding remark, the DC announced that regular awareness meetings will continue and granted a buffer period for dealers to stop and recollect bottles under 1 liter. He also encouraged everyone to discourage plastic use and support the avoidance of single-use plastic. He further assured that the outcomes of the meeting would be conveyed to the government.
The meeting was attended by Kohima Village Council, AWO, all 19 ward chairman, KCCI, Kohima Hotels and Restaurant Unions, AYO, KVYO, KVSU and Youth organisations from all wards.