In line with the State government directive’s ban on Single-Use Plastic (SUP), the Kohima District Task Force (DTF) on SUP held a meeting on July 29 and discussed on how to enforce the ban effectively in Kohima. State government in an order has banned SUP with effect from August 1, 2024.
According to DIPR report, the meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner and DTF chairman Kohima Kumar Ramnikant. Ramnikant highlighted the need for robust implementation of the government’s directive to eliminate single-use plastics from Kohima. To ensure effective enforcement, the DTF on SUP resolved to hold quarterly meetings, starting with a comprehensive review of the ban’s progress.
A formal order will soon be issued by the DTF on SUP, Kohima, enforcing a complete ban on single-use plastic carry bags and single-use plastic bottles for water and soft drinks below one liter. The order will detail fines and penalties for non-compliance. It was also decided that two inspection teams will be formed to monitor and curb the sale of banned SUP items in Kohima Town.
The first inspection has been slated to be held on August 10, 2024 and Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) has been entrusted to oversee the disposal of any seized SUP items. Administrative Officers at the Sub-Divisional level will be responsible for implementing the ban within their respective areas, ensuring uniform compliance across the district.
To raise public awareness, All India Radio and DDK Kohima, in collaboration with KMC Kohima, will provide extensive media coverage on the SUP ban. Additionally, DPRO Kohima has been asked to use the public address system to announce the ban in various colonies and wards of Kohima Town. The meeting also stressed the importance of stringent enforcement measures, particularly stockists and main suppliers of SUP items. Regular checks and monitoring will be conducted to ensure compliance and promote a plastic-free Kohima.