The state government has once again imposed a complete ban on all single-use plastic carry bags, regardless of thickness, as well as plastic bottles smaller than one litre, in the state. It has come into force starting August 1. This time, the penalties prescribed for violators are INR 10,000 for the first offence, INR 20,000 for the second, and permit cancellation for the subsequent offence, while authorising the district administration, district task forces (DTFs) and local bodies to implement the ban in their respective jurisdictions. To ensure effective implementation, the DTFs have been directed to furnish Action Taken Reports to the government ‘regularly’. This initiative is commendable and worthy of support from all, considering the irreparable damage non-biodegradable materials like plastics are causing to the environment and the marine ecosystem. However, the big question is whether the mission will succeed or history will repeat itself, as has been the case so far when it comes to plastic ban in Nagaland. Other than during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no valid reason for the concerned authorities to abandon its own directive. As the government tries to tackle the plastic menace once again, it is pertinent to look into the ground reality, lay out a clear road map based on past experience, and ensure that the ban is effectively executed.
The government’s repeated attempts to do away with single-use plastic items have failed terribly in the past, mainly because of the unavailability of alternative products. Plastic carry bags are not only convenient but also cheap, making them an attractive option for traders as well as customers. The governments, both the Centre and the state, should realise this fact and find a viable solution. So far, the attempts to promote alternative products, including paper bags, have fallen short in terms of sustainability and affordability. Moreover, a smooth transition to environment-friendly products is possible only if the manufacturing sector has the capacity to produce such items on a large scale and makes them available to every nook and corner of the country. The public can also help fight environmental pollution by saying NO to single-use plastic items, opting for reusable shopping bags, keeping one’s surroundings clean and segregating waste at source. As for the success of the latest ban on select plastic items, community participation and strict enforcement will prove vital. Too many good policies have fallen apart in Nagaland due to the failure in implementation. The recent traffic regulations issued by the Dimapur police, which seem to have been forgotten, is a classic example. Will the ban on single-use plastic items follow suit? Only time can tell.