Centenary Gate located at the heart of Zunheboto town. (Morung Photo)
Tokavi K Zhimo
Zunheboto | February 21
In a significant step towards sustainability, the Zunheboto Town Council (ZTC) has announced a ban on single-use plastic polythene bags within its jurisdiction. The directive, issued through a circular on February 17, requires all businesses and enterprises to clear their stock of single-use plastic bags by February 25. Thereafter, the ZTC will be the sole distributor of eco-friendly carry bags, specifically those made of 125-micron plastic.
According to the council, the initiative aims to curb plastic pollution and promote environmental awareness. However, it has elicited mixed reactions from both locals and business owners.
Council’s vision
Deputy Chairperson of the ZTC, Vihoto Zhimo, described the initiative as a step towards both environmental preservation and local economic development. He noted that Hilika Y, a councillor from the DC Hill ward, has been appointed to oversee the project.
Zhimo further emphasised that one of the key objectives is to encourage local youth to contribute ideas and innovations to the initiative, while also addressing unemployment in the region.
Expounding on the issue, he stated, “Unemployment exists because of our own laziness. There are many opportunities around us, but we fail to grasp them. This initiative is a chance to change that mindset.”
He also acknowledged the challenges ahead in implementing the initiative but stressed, “Without trying, we cannot determine its success. We need to give it a chance and see the results,” highlighting that progress cannot be made by remaining idle.
Is the town ready for the change?
While the town council’s enthusiasm for the project is evident, local business owners—particularly street vendors and shopkeepers—have raised concerns about the difficulties in transitioning away from single-use plastic bags. Many question the effectiveness of the initiative in the absence of an adequate supply of eco-friendly alternatives.
Speaking to The Morung Express, several vendors and shopkeepers expressed concerns that customers rarely bring their own bags when shopping and expect their purchases to be packed in plastic bags.
“The problem is not just with us. Customers want plastic bags, and they often refuse to buy products unless they are given one. How can we turn them away?” a shopkeeper maintained.
Certain sectors of the town’s economy are facing particular challenges. Fish and meat sellers, who rely on the durability of plastic bags, argued that alternatives such as paper or soft eco-friendly bags are not suitable for their products.
“Fish and meat are delicate products. The soft eco-friendly bags are prone to tearing, and they can’t keep the product intact. It’s a serious problem for us,” a local fish seller explained.
How these concerns will be addressed remains to be seen when the deadline for phasing out single-use plastics expires and the new system comes into effect.
