Confusion clouds day one of plastic ban in Dimapur

DIMAPUR — Nagaland’s sweeping ban on single-use plastic carry bags and small plastic bottles ushered in a wave of confusion and uncertainty across Dimapur on its first day of implementation.

Starting August 1, the government of Nagaland is enforcing a complete ban on all single-use plastic carry bags, regardless of thickness, and plastic bottles intended for water and soft drinks with a capacity of less than one litre.

On Thursday, many distributors and retailers in Dimapur said that they were unaware of the new restrictions on ‘soft drinks’.

Kamal Kumar, a shopkeeper, confirmed receiving information regarding the ban on water bottles from his dealer, but not on soft drinks. Another shopkeeper also acknowledged receiving information about the ban on 300 ml and 500 ml mineral water bottles, but not on soft drinks.

Padamavati, a shopkeeper on G.S. Road, exemplified this confusion, questioning whether beverages like ‘Ocean’ and ‘Joiner’ fell under the purview of the ban. He also inquired about the status of smaller bottles containing mustard oil and other similar products.

Another shopkeeper on GS Road, while aware of the restrictions on soft drinks below one litre, seemed more concerned about clearing the existing stock, either through sales or returns.

Ram Chandra Singh, a tea seller who had biscuits for sale in plastic bags, said he was unaware of the ban.

Similarly, a shopkeeper selling ice pops mentioned that the items were supplied by a third party and were uncertain about the new regulations.

While many traders asserted their compliance regarding the ban on small mineral water bottles, numerous small 'pan' shops continued the sale of such items on Thursday.

A shopkeeper in Hong Kong Market area voiced a common concern, questioning, “How do we clear the current stock then? It will be a huge loss for a small shop like mine.”

Overall, widespread confusion among sellers and customers were observed on the first day of the plastic ban in Dimapur, and sales of 500 ml water bottles and soft drinks continued in the market.