DTFs to conduct extensive market survey for Single-Use Plastic

As the date of implementation of the ban on single-use plastic across the Nagaland draws closer, the Special Task Force (STF) on Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2021 and the elimination of Single-Use Plastic (SUP) has decided that the District Task Force (DTFs) would perform an extensive market survey for assessment of the availability of SUPs in the market.

The STF, which held its first meeting on June 2, 2022, under the chairmanship of the chief secretary, J Alam, talked about the requirement to conduct an extensive survey for identified SUP waste generation. It may be cited that manufacture, distribution, sale, import, stocking, and use of single-use plastic including polystyrene and expanded polystyrene commodities would be banned from July 1, 2022, according to a DIPR report.

At the meeting, the members recommended that shops, vendors, and commercial buildings keep two separate bins for the segregation of waste at the source. In this regard, the chief secretary highlighted the requirement to update the waste collection system. He advised that separate trucks or trucks with separate containers and chambers be used for waste collection.

The house decided that each town and Urban Local Bodies (ULB) have its action plan according to its requirement and circumstances.

On the problem of checking and inspection, the chief secretary reminded the house that intensifying assessment and monitoring of stockists and vendors of specified SUP should be carried out stringently. He, however, said that they should avoid nagging vendors. Further, the house decided that fines on traders and vendors dealing with non-permitted plastics would be charged and collected on the spot.

It was decided that booklets along with samples of banned items would be sent to all ULBs and DTFs for ready reference for systematic identification and monitoring of SUPs.

The house consented that due importance should be given to encouraging the practice of carrying own bags while shopping and also facilitating the use of jute bags.

In this regard, the suggestions were made to tie up with telecom service providers to serve reminders in the form of SMS, flash messages, etc to inspire shoppers to take their bags while shopping.

The meeting consented that tea stalls should use only stainless steel, paper cups, glass, earthen cups, or any other permissible material other than plastic.

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