DIMAPUR — Despite
a state-wide ban on plastic bottles under one litre effective August 1, 2024,
and a temporary relaxation extended until November 30, newly manufactured
bottles are still being sold in Dimapur markets, raising concerns over compliance
and enforcement of the government’s directives.
On Sunday, plastic water bottles from brands such as Dew
Drops, Zion Drops, and Viva, in sizes 300 ml and 500 ml, were spotted on sale,
with manufacturing dates indicating production as late as December 9, long
after the extended deadline had expired.
The ban, which also prohibits all single-use plastic carry
bags, regardless of thickness, and plastic bottles smaller than one litre for
water and soft drinks, was announced in June 2024 and implemented on August 1.
Following pushback from distributors and suppliers citing
inadequate time to clear stock and confusion regarding soft drink bottles, the
government temporarily relaxed the ban in October, permitting the sale of these
products until November 30, 2024.
While district task forces have been conducting surprise
checks and imposing fines, the availability of newly manufactured bottles
raises questions about gaps in enforcement and regulatory oversight.
During a visit to the markets on Sunday, this newspaper
purchased a 300 ml water bottle manufactured on December 3 from a shop run by
Anika, a local grocery store owner.
While Anika shared that she had stopped stocking smaller
bottles after the ban was initially announced, she explained that “customers
prefer smaller bottles for convenience, and since distributors had them
available, I started selling them again.”
As for other SUPs, she has transitioned to biodegradable
carry bags that are now available with suppliers.
Several shopkeepers in New Market area confirmed they also
use biodegradable bags. They also said that district task force officials have
been conducting routine inspections and levying fines on violators.
The government order had stated that “all single-use plastic
bottles for water and soft drinks below 1 (one) litre” would be banned.
However, confusion remains about the ban’s scope, as soft
drinks and beverages in sizes ranging from 160 ml Nimbu Pani to 750 ml Coca
Cola were readily available in most stores visited by this newspaper.
Further, shopkeepers questioned whether smaller bottles of
products like mustard and other oils fell under the ban’s purview.
Attempts to contact distributors and Dimapur-based packaged
water manufacturers to find out why production has continued despite the ban
were unsuccessful.
