KOHIMA: With a view to eradicating the serious environmental and ecological challenges posed by rampant use of single-use plastic, the Nagaland government has imposed a complete ban on single-use plastic products in the state with effect from August 1.
The move comes following a recent meeting over the issue with officials concerned.
The single-use plastic products typically include food and beverage containers, bottles, straws and disposable plastic bags.
“All single-use plastic carry bags irrespective of microns and all single-use plastic bottles for water and soft drinks below one litre would be completely banned in the state from August 1,” an official release said.
The directive mandates compliance with the ban on single-use plastic products for all institutions and commercial establishments, including educational institutions, offices, hotels, shops, restaurants, religious and industrial institutions, and banquet halls.
Any breach would be liable for punitive action such as a fine of Rs 10,000 for the first offense, Rs 20,000 for the second, and permit cancellations for repeated breaches.
According to the release, the District Task Force (DTF), which has already been constituted in respective districts, has been instructed to strictly monitor and function as vigilance squads to enforce the ban on stocking, distribution, selling, and use of all single-use plastic products.
The DTF has also been asked to conduct quarterly meetings over compliance with the ban and submit Action Taken Reports (ATRs) to the government, the release stated.
