Correspondent
KOHIMA, JUN 12 (NPN): Nearly two years after the Nagaland government enforced a ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) and prohibited the sale of bottled water and soft drinks below one litre, banned plastic products have once again become commonplace in markets across Kohima, raising concerns over the effectiveness of enforcement and the government’s commitment to implementing its own regulations.
The restrictions, which came into effect on August 1, 2024, were introduced as part of the State’s efforts to curb plastic pollution and promote environmentally sustainable alternatives. However, single-use plastic items and small-sized beverage bottles continue to be openly sold and used, not only in shops and markets but also at official programmes, government functions and public events.
A local beverage supplier alleged that traders in Kohima initially complied with government directives by clearing existing stocks and halting fresh supplies.
However, he claimed that neighbouring Dimapur continued to sell and distribute the banned products, creating an uneven business environment.
According to the supplier, traders had approached the district administration seeking clarity on the implementation of the ban.
He alleged that enforcement gradually weakened over time, inspections became less frequent and businesses eventually resumed selling the products.
“We are not selling anything illegal. We are paying GST and our products are not harming society. Kohima was perhaps the only place where traders genuinely stopped sales and followed the government’s orders,” he said.
The supplier further alleged that there had been widespread discussions about transporters paying around Rs. 2,000 at check gates to facilitate the movement of beverage consignments into Kohima. He also questioned the practicality of the restriction on bottled beverages below one litre, saying it affected both consumers and small traders.
He estimated that the beverage industry in Nagaland was worth around Rs. 200 crore annually and contributed substantial tax revenue, including a cess component collected for environmental purposes. He suggested that the government focus on recycling infrastructure rather than relying solely on bans.
“If cess tax is being collected for environmental purposes, why not establish a recycling plant? Such a facility would create employment, generate revenue and provide a sustainable solution to plastic waste,” he said.
He also pointed out that waste collectors and scrap dealers were already involved in collecting recyclable materials and stressed the need for better waste segregation, recycling systems and public awareness campaigns.
Responding to the concerns, official sources from the Kohima District Task Force (DTF) on Total Ban of Single-Use Plastics said the district administration has been implementing various measures in accordance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, under the guidance of the Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The notified ban covers all single-use plastic carry bags regardless of thickness, bottled water and soft drink bottles below one litre, plastic cutlery, thermocol products and items made from non-biodegradable polymers.
The sources said the district administration, in collaboration with the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) and Kohima Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI), has successfully maintained plastic-free Night Bazaars during the Hornbill Festival since 2017. Awareness campaigns have also been carried out through digital display boards, All India Radio Kohima and distribution of educational materials.
Multiple surprise inspections have been conducted, resulting in the seizure of banned items. Penalties include fines of Rs. 10,000 for a first offence, Rs. 20,000 for a second offence and cancellation of trade licences for repeated violations.
However, the sources acknowledged several challenges, including the absence of dedicated checkpoints to prevent banned products from entering the district, lack of testing equipment for field teams, limited availability of affordable eco-friendly alternatives and inadequate public awareness regarding waste segregation and responsible disposal.
To strengthen implementation, the district administration has recommended promoting the production of eco-friendly alternatives through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and MSMEs, increasing community participation in monitoring efforts, displaying notices in commercial establishments and restricting the manufacture of single-use plastic products at source.
Despite these measures, the widespread reappearance of banned plastic products in Kohima markets has reignited debate over whether the State’s anti-plastic campaign has achieved its intended objectives or whether stronger and more consistent enforcement is required.