Chozuba Town Council has enforced a total ban on various single-use plastic items across Chozuba sub-division in Phek district.
DIMAPUR — The Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-Executive Officer of the Chozuba Town Council (CTC), Zapuno Khatso, has issued an order enforcing a total ban on various single-use plastic (SUP) items within the jurisdiction of Chozuba Town Council and all areas under Chozuba sub-division in Phek district.
According to the notification, the ban takes immediate effect and seeks to ensure the strict implementation of existing government regulations concerning single-use plastics and environmental conservation.
The order covers several categories of prohibited items under different Urban Development Department (UDD) notifications.
Under the UDD notification dated June 17, 2019, all plastic carry bags, with or without handles, regardless of thickness and size, have been banned. The prohibition also includes plastic cutlery such as plates, cups, forks, spoons and straws, as well as decorative items made of styrofoam (thermocol), polythene, nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene and polystyrene.
As per the UDD notification issued on December 6, 2020, the use of flex banners, boards and posters by departments, institutions and government agencies during official functions and programmes has also been prohibited.
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The UDD notification dated March 11, 2022 further expands the restrictions to include earbuds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks and ice-cream sticks. It also bans polystyrene (thermocol) decorative items, plastic plates, cups, forks, spoons, knives, straws and trays.
Additionally, plastic wrappings or packing films used around sweet boxes, invitation cards and cigarette packets have been prohibited. The order also restricts the use of plastic or PVC banners below 100 microns in thickness and plastic stirrers.
The administration has further imposed a complete ban on packaged drinking water bottles below 20 litres in capacity for meetings, functions, seminars and personal consumption within the sub-division.
Authorities have urged residents, institutions and business establishments to strictly comply with the regulations to support environmental protection efforts and improve waste management practices across Chozuba sub-division.
The move is expected to contribute significantly to reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainable practices within the region.