Single-use plastic ban: DTFs to conduct extensive market survey

As the date of enforcing ban on single-use plastic across the state draws closer, the Special Task Force (STF) on Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2021 and elimination of Single-Use Plastic (SUP) has decided that the District Task Force (DTFs) would conduct extensive market survey for assessment of availability of SUPs in the market.
According to a DIPR report, the STF, which held its first meeting on June 2, 2022 under the chairmanship of the chief secretary, J Alam, discussed the need to conduct extensive survey for identified SUP waste generation. It may be mentioned that manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of single-use plastic including polystyrene and expanded polystyrene, commodities would be prohibited from July 1, 2022.
At the meeting, the members suggested that shops, vendors and commercial establishments keep two separate bins for segregation of waste at source.
In the regard, the chief secretary stressed on the need to update waste collection system. He suggested that separate trucks or trucks with separate containers/chambers to be used for waste collection.
The house decided that each town/ULB have its own action plan according to its need and situation.
On the issue of checking and inspection, the chief secretary reminded the house that intensifying inspection and monitoring of stockist and vendors of identified SUP should be carried out stringently. He, however, said that they should avoid harassments vendors. Further, the house decided that penalties on traders/vendors dealing with non-permitted plastics would be levied and collected on the spot.
For systematic identification and monitoring of SUPs, it was agreed that booklets along with samples of banned items would be sent to all ULBs and DTFs for ready reference.
The house agreed that due significance should be given to encourage the practice of carrying own bags while shopping and also promote use of jute bags.
In this regard, the suggestions were made to tie up with telecom service providers to serve reminders in the form of SMS, flash message etc. to encourage shoppers to carry their own bags while shopping.
The meeting agreed that tea stalls should use only stainless steel, glass, paper cups, earthen cups or any other permissible material other than plastic.
State chief secretary suggested allotting selling points at the entrance of markets for sale of plastic bags alternatives.
The meeting decided that departments of urban development, municipal affairs and rural development formulate its own working plan and bring forth the same for discussion and approval. Earlier, Nagaland Pollution Control Board presented the draft comprehensive action plan on elimination of SUP and discussions were made point wise on the action plan.