KOHIMA: From August 1, carrying plastic water bottles below 1 litre and single-use carry bags may amount to fines in Nagaland.
In a decisive step towards enhancing plastic waste management, department heads of the government unanimously agreed “in principle” to enforce a ban on plastic water bottles below one litre starting August 1.
The decision was communicated by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) following a crucial meeting of top officials on Thursday.
Taking inspiration from Sikkim’s proactive measures in banning SUP, the decision also includes a complete ban on single-use carry bags, regardless of their thickness, across the state.
Chief Secretary of Nagaland, Dr. J Alam IAS, underscored the urgent need to address the mounting challenges posed by plastic waste.
He highlighted a recent environmental crisis at the Doyang reservoir, where plastic waste inundated the water body.
Dr. Alam commended the collaborative efforts of Disaster Management, District Administration, volunteers, and other agencies in successfully clearing the reservoir of plastic debris.
However, he cautioned that such missions address immediate concerns and stressed the importance of long-term strategies for sustainable plastic waste management.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary urged departments to intensify public awareness campaigns through media outreach, seminars, and workshops to educate the public about the detrimental effects of single-use plastics.
He highlighted the importance of documenting activities through geo-tagging and updating department websites with visual documentation to enhance transparency and accountability.
Various departments including Urban Development, Municipal Affairs, Rural Development, and the Pollution Control Board participated in the meeting, contributing insights and perspectives towards formulating a comprehensive action plan.
The upcoming ban on small plastic water bottles and single-use carry bags signifies Nagaland’s commitment to environmental sustainability and aims to curb the pervasive issue of plastic pollution across the state.
With concerted efforts and public support, the government aims to achieve significant progress in mitigating plastic waste and promoting eco-friendly practices in Nagaland.
The implementation of these measures is expected to commence swiftly, aligning with the state government’s broader environmental conservation goals.
