DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 29 (MExN): The Nagaland Government on Thursday issued a number of strictures in connection to the decision made to restrict use of plastic in Nagaland.
The Nagaland Cabinet in its meeting held on November 26 had approved the policy for restricting the use of plastic in Nagaland with a view to eradicate the menace of plastic and the serious environmental and ecological challenged posed by rampant use of plastic.
In a follow up, a notification issued by the Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Nagaland Abhishek Singh informed that the restrictions on the use of plastics will begin from December 1, 2018 onwards. To begin with, all single use plastics less than 50 microns, especially plastic bags and plastic cutleries including Styrofoam and thermocol disposable plates will be banned.
Government offices will stop using packaged drinking water bottles, below 20 litre capacity, by April 1, 2019. Alternatives like filtered water dispensers and RO plants will be introduced. Government servants will be encouraged to carry reusable drinking water bottles.
Local Bodies would be empowered to decide on the issue of levying penalties for continued use of single use plastics in their jurisdiction. Besides, Village Councils and Municipal bodies will be sensitized to take proactive action for discouraging use of plastics in their jurisdiction.
Incentives will be provided to entrepreneurs investing in production of paper bags and cloth bag making units, disposable bio-degradable cutlery from areca nut leaves, setting up of water ATMs in public places, plastic shredding units for recycling of plastics etc.
