Kohima, May 24 (MExN): In pursuance of Urban Development Department's notification regarding prohibiting identified Single-Use Plastic items, the manufacture and use of single-use plastics in Kohima district is banned with immediate effect.
DC Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie has informed that the ban is imposed on identified plastic items which have low utility and high littering potential by 2022 and in view of eradicating the menace of plastic and the serious environmental and ecological challenges posed by rampant use of plastics.
According to a DIPR report, the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of carrying bags made of virgin or recycled plastic should not be less than 75 microns in thickness w.e.f. September 30, 2022 and 120 microns in thickness w.e.f. December 31, 2022. Further, non-woven plastic carry bags not be less than 60 grams Per Square Meter (GSM) w.e.f September 30, 2022.
The manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of following single-use plastic, including polystyrene Thermocol) and expanded polystyrene, commodities shall be prohibited from July 1, 2022.
It also includes Earbuds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks ice-cream sticks, polystyrene (thermocol) for decoration; Plates, cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straws, trays, Wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards and cigarette packets, plastic or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) banners less than 100 micron, stirrers.
The Order also added that all other clauses mandated in the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 and Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021 should be strictly adhered to. All individuals, institutions, and commercial establishments (Educational institutions, offices, hotels, shops, Restaurants, Religious institutions/faith-based institutions, industrial establishments, banquet halls, etc.) in the district are directed to abide by the aforesaid ban and “any breach shall be liable for penalties.”
