The Nagaland government has banned single-use plastic (SUP) in the state to eliminate the serious environmental and ecological challenges posed by widespread use of plastic.
This is in accordance with the directives of the Central Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Meteorology and subsequent directives of the Nagaland Urban Development Department (UDD) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
The UDD said on Saturday that the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of carry bags made of mod, virgin or recycled plastic irrespective of the thickness of microns has been banned.
Manufacture, import, storage, distribution, sale and use of plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice cream sticks and ear buds with polystyrene (thermocol) for decoration are also banned.
Cutlery such as plates, cups, glasses, forks, spoons, knives, straws, trays, wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, cigarette packets, plastic or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) banners below 100 microns, and stirring are prohibited.
All individuals, institutions, commercial establishments, educational institutions, offices, shops, hotels, restaurants, religious institutions or faith-based institutions, central and state government departments, agencies, commissions, public sector bodies and missions including military/paramilitary are directed to comply. By banning SUP.
Warning that any violation will attract penalties, the UDD said inspections will be conducted at regular intervals and defaulters will be fined heavily for the offence.
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