Cost concerns prevent switch to SUP alternatives in Dimapur
Cost concerns prevent switch to SUP alternatives in Dimapur
Despite Nagaland’s ban on single-use plastics (SUP), Dimapur continues to struggle with plastic waste, with violations openly occurring in several parts of the city
DIMAPUR — Despite
Nagaland’s ban on single-use plastics (SUP), Dimapur continues to struggle with
plastic waste, with violations openly occurring in several parts of the city.
While some shopkeepers comply with the Dimapur Municipal
Council’s (DMC) regulations, others continue selling banned plastic products,
raising concerns about enforcement and public awareness.
A shopkeeper in New Market confirmed that the DMC has strictly
instructed businesses to use only approved plastic alternatives. “If we use any
other kind of plastic, we will be fined,” he said. However, compliance remains
inconsistent.
A vendor in Nyamo Lotha Road admitted to using both the
banned plastic and the DMC-approved alternative, citing cost concerns. “The
plastic provided by the DMC costs INR 2.50 per piece, while the previous
alternatives were just INR 1 per piece. This price difference makes it
difficult to switch completely,” he explained.
Another issue is the continued sale of single-use plastic
bottles under one litre, which were banned across Nagaland last year.
Shopkeepers along the GS Road openly sell these bottles, with one vendor
stating, “There is no issue here; people are just selling them normally.”
At the New Flyover area, another shopkeeper even claimed
that the ban had been lifted, with water bottles packaged as late as January 28
being sold in his shop.
On the issue of rampant plastic waste disposal in and around
Dimapur, a student named Vanai stated that both the government and individuals
are responsible for pollution in the city. “Even if the government enforces
guidelines and creates awareness, there will be no improvement unless
individuals also act on it,” she said.
According to some residents, areas like Burma Camp, Rail
Gate, and the Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex are some of the most polluted
areas. While they acknowledged a slight improvement since the plastic ban and
occasional cleaning drives, they felt that enforcement needed to be stricter.
Hiikhunai, a shopper in New Market area noted, “We’ve seen a
bit of improvement, but there are areas that still need more attention.”
(The writer is a
Master's student at North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong. She is currently
an intern at Eastern Mirror.)
