Kohima District Task Force (DTF) on Single-Use Plastic (SUP) has decided to issue a formal order on enforcing a complete ban on single-use plastic carry bags and single-use plastic bottles for water and soft drinks below one litre. According to DIPR, this was decided during a meeting of Kohima DTF on SUP held at the DC’s conference Hall, Kohima on July 29. The meeting led by DC and DTF chairman Kohima, Kumar Ramnikant, stressed on the enforcement of the government’s ban on SUP set to take effect on August 1, 2024.
DC highlighted the need for robust implementation of the government’s directive to SUP 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. The order would detail fines and penalties for non-compliance.
Two inspection teams would be formed to monitor and curb the sale of banned SUP items in Kohima town. The first inspection is slated for around August 10, 2024. The Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) would oversee the disposal of any seized SUP items.
Administrative officers at the sub-divisional level would 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, would provide extensive media coverage on the SUP ban. Additionally, DPRO Kohima would use the public address system to announce the ban in various colonies and wards of Kohima town.
Further, the meeting stressed the importance of stringent enforcement measures, particularly stockists and main suppliers of SUP items. Regular checks and monitoring would be conducted to ensure compliance and promote a plastic-free Kohima.