In an address delivered at the World Environment Day 2025 observance held at the DC’s Conference Hall recently, Deputy Chairman of Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC), Lanuakum, laid out the council’s sustained and determined efforts in combating plastic pollution since 2018. With the theme “Vision for plastic-free Mokokchung,” the speech highlighted both the milestones and challenges in MMC’s environmental journey.
Lanuakum highlighted the MMC’s landmark 2019 decisions — a complete ban on single-use plastic (SuP) items and packaged drinking water bottles under 1 litre within the municipality. Further strengthening this drive, non-woven polypropylene carry bags, often mistaken for cloth alternatives, were also banned that same year.
Backing policy with infrastructure, the MMC initiated its Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in 2020, gradually equipping it with a baling machine, a shredder, and digital weighing tools. To date, the facility has processed approximately 16 tons of plastic, 10 tons of paper, 2 tons of glass, 300 kg of multilayer plastic, and 500 kg of e-waste, an impressive feat given MMC’s limited manpower.
He said that MMC provides Rs 3000 to ward sanitation committees for every truckload of plastic waste deposited at the MRF. He also said that segregation of hard plastic of different colours, shredding and bailing at MRF is done under the supervision of Sanitation Inspector.
On the enforcement of ban on SUP, he said that the latest checking was carried out on 21 April 2025, where some shops within the municipality were found in possession of banned SUP items. A penalty of Rs 10,000 was imposed for the first offence and Rs 20,000 for the second offence, he said.
He stated that the MMC have been imposing and enforcing all possible measures within the municipal area. However, challenges persist — notably the influx of SUP items from neighbouring states and the availability of those items in areas beyond the municipal jurisdiction. The unregulated use of plastics in agriculture and construction was another issue. Lanuakum observed that without a nationwide ban on manufacturing of SUP, local efforts would be undermined.
Outlining MMC’s vision for plastic-free Mokokchung, he called for “sensitisation of targeted groups till they adopt segregation of waste culture at home.” He also mentioned activating Reduce, Reuse & Recycle centres in every ward, and balancing the “supply and demand in solid waste management.” Another point he mentioned was enforcing installation of “certified scientific incinerator for hazardous bio medical waste.”
Appealing to the District Planning & Development Board, he urged budgetary support for a permanent MRF structure, saying, “MMC can be the catalyst for Mokokchung and neighbouring districts.”
The speech stood as both a progress report and a rallying call, urging collaborative commitment to a sustainable, plastic-free Mokokchung.