DIMAPUR:
The District Task Force (DTF) of Kohima, in its bid to bring about a total ban on single-use plastic, set a fixed penalty for defaulters in both the rural and urban areas of the district should they not comply with the government’s order.
The DTF, at a meeting held under the chairmanship of Kohima deputy commissioner Shanavas C, decided to penalise business establishments and defaulters who are found selling or using the banned identified single-use plastic items with Rs 1,000 for the first offense, Rs 5,000 for the second offense, and Rs 10,000 for the third offense with cancellation of license.
The meeting was attended by government officials, NGOs, churches and other stakeholders.
In the meeting, DTF also decided to have an address with the Kohima Chamber of Commerce and Industries and NGOs in this regard in due course of time. It was also decided to disseminate the required information on various platforms to create awareness about the banned plastic items.
The DTF also decided to take up the issue of plastic disposal with some working waste management systems.
While noting the views and opinions shared by the members, Shanavas said that collective efforts and assistance from all concerned pressure groups, churches and other stakeholders will be required for the successful implementation of the exercise.
The total ban on all single-use plastics in Nagaland with identified single-use plastic items was imposed by the state government to eradicate the menace of plastic and the serious environmental and ecological challenges posed by the rampant use of plastics.