A Stakeholder Meeting on Alternatives for Single Use Plastics (SUPs) took place on 25th September 2023 at the Conference Hall of the Urban Development Directorate in Kohima, Nagaland, under the chairmanship of Kesonyü Yhome, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, DIPR informed.
The Chairman commenced the meeting by explaining that its purpose was to facilitate the smooth implementation of business practices for SUPs alternative products in the state and to identify a way forward. He emphasized that the discussions should not revisit the common understanding of single-use plastics but should instead seek possible solutions to combat the problem of SUPs by adopting solutions that have proven effective in other states and cities, while also customizing these solutions to fit the state’s needs.
During the meeting, entrepreneurs endorsed the use of alternative products with biodegradable properties that can safely replace single-use plastics. However, they pointed out that these alternative products are generally more expensive than traditional single-use plastics. Various SUP alternatives are available in the market, including plates, spoons, waste bins, carry bags, and straws. Healthcare and hospitality services are the biggest users of single-use plastics. The suppliers of alternative products for single-use plastics requested government assistance to help them distribute these products in the market.
The Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB) clarified that it is the responsibility of entrepreneurs to ensure that companies producing single-use plastic products comply with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards and certification. Regarding trade licenses, Urban Local Body (ULB) administrators explained that license requirements for main stockists, suppliers, and retailers differ unless the main stockist and supplier personally supply to cities and towns in the state.
The stakeholders agreed to simplify procedural formalities whenever possible and encouraged entrepreneurs to find ways to reduce the cost of SUP alternative products. The NPCB emphasized the importance of environmental clearances for entrepreneurs planning to establish production units in the future. Any new manufacturing unit or industry will need to undergo an Environmental Impact Assessment, which will be assessed by the State Expert and Appraisal Committee before being reviewed by the Environmental Impact Authority of the Nation.
The Commissioner and Secretary to the Chief Minister assured that the government would make every effort to address the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, to introduce SUP alternatives into the market in a planned manner within three months. The state government also pledged to facilitate and simplify procedures to avoid administrative obstacles, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on their core issues. The entrepreneurs committed to placing SUP alternatives in the market within the same three-month timeframe.
