The District Task Force (DTF) convened a meeting focused on addressing the issue of single-use plastic (SUP) at the DC's conference hall in Kohima on October 31, 2023.
Chaired by Deputy Commissioner & Chairman of the DTF on SUP, Kumar Ramnikant, IAS, the meeting aimed to gather ideas and strategies from members to tackle the challenges arising from the extensive use of single-use plastic within the district.
During the meeting, several key decisions were made:
Strict implementation of the prescribed thickness in microns, in accordance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules.
Imposition of penalties on stockists without prior warnings and retailers, following the penalties set by the DTF on July 19, 2022.
All seized SUP items are to be stored with the Kohima Municipal Corporation (KMC) for proper disposal.
A request to All India Radio for extensive awareness programs addressing the hazardous effects of SUP and government regulations.
Mandatory display of notices in all shops, conveying that they do not use or promote Single Use Plastic items and encouraging customers to bring their eco-friendly carry bags.
Specific information on compostable plastic is to be prominently labeled, indicating its compostable nature and any other relevant usage information.
Furthermore, it was decided that a comprehensive awareness campaign, in collaboration with Zub Zub India, would be conducted regularly. The District Task Force also plans to conduct "PLOGGING EXERCISES" to sensitize the general public of Kohima District to the issue of single-use plastic.
Chairman Kumar Ramnikant urged all members to actively engage in this endeavor and become agents of change, emphasizing the need for full cooperation to eradicate the menace of single-use plastic in the district.
(Siizo Kikhi, IA Kohima)