Government of Nagaland bans single-use plastic
The government of Nagaland outlawed single-use plastic (SUP) throughout the state in order to address the grave environmental and ecological problems brought on by the widespread usage of plastic.
According to the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986, this is in accordance with the orders from the Central Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate, and following directives from the Urban Development Department Nagaland (UDD). The UDD said on Saturday that carry bags made of modified, virgin, or recycled plastic, regardless of thickness in microns, are not allowed to be manufactured, imported, stockpiled, distributed, sold, or used.
Additionally, it outlawed the production, importation, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of earphones with plastic sticks, balloons with plastic sticks, flags with plastic poles, confectionery sticks, ice cream sticks, and decorations made of polystyrene (Thermocol). The use of stirrers as well as plates, cups, glasses, and cutlery such forks, spoons, knives, straws, and trays, as well as the wrapping or packaging of candy boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, as well as plastic or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) banners smaller than 100 microns, has been outlawed.
The prohibition on SUP has been issued to all individuals, organizations, businesses, educational institutions, offices, retail establishments, hotels, restaurants, religious or faith-based institutions, central and state government departments, agencies, commissions, PSUs, and missions, including militaries/paramilitaries.
The UDD said that inspections would be carried out at regular intervals and that defaulters would face severe penalties for the offense, warning that any violation would be subject to sanctions.
