Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 17 (EMN): Following the declaration of December deadline to “free the state of plastic waste” by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio during the World Environment Day celebration on June 5 this year in Kohima, various NGOs and individuals have been campaigning to fight the menace of plastic pollution.
Towards this end, Kohima Green Team along with Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) has been actively campaigning through its sensitisation programme creating awareness on plastic pollution, covering all the 19 wards in the state’s capital since Nov. 7.
Explaining the adverse effects of plastic pollution at a press conference this evening at the office of the KMC, Thangi Manen, (Retd.) Comm. Secy., who is an ardent environmentalist and a member of the nationally acclaimed environment group Campaign Against Plastic Pollution (CAPP), said plastic pollution is escalating every year and affecting the health of the people.
Expressing concern over the huge pile of plastic in the dumped garbage and clogged drainages, she said, “we are surrounded by plastic and something has to be done to fight his menace together” as it is poisoning the land, water and entering the food chain.
Manen also informed that the movement to create awareness against plastic pollution will be carried out across the state soon, where the people will be sensitised on the viable alternative plastic carry bags and disposable cups, plates, cutleries etc., which are rampantly used especially during weddings and other occasions.
This movement, she asserted, is a cause which concerns every individual and invited everyone to join the movement for a plastic-free state.
KMC administrator, Kovi Meyase also opined that awareness must start from the grassroots level.
He pointed out that people can find employment through manufacturing paper bags and carry bags made of cloths which can be easily arranged and is cost effective.
Meanwhile during a stakeholders meeting for campaign against plastic pollution in Kohima on Oct. 31, various NGOs present decided to request the government to ban one time-use plastic carry bags in the state with a specified timeline.
Among other key points, the meeting has also decided that there is a need to declare ‘Plastic Free Zones’ and ‘Plastic Free Events’ and to introduce water ATMs at certain points in town area as part of the Smart City plan.
It has also unanimously agreed to avoid throwing garbage into the drains and streams with immediate effect.
