In view of the urgent need to prevent and control the environmental hazards caused by the irresponsible disposal of plastic waste and non-degradable garbage, and as a matter of abundant caution, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) invoked the Disaster Management Act, 2005, section 22 (2) (b) (h) and (i) on Friday.
Accordingly, the District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) have been directed to assess the vulnerability of various water bodies in their respective districts and identify the environmental hazards resulting from the irresponsible disposal of plastic waste and non-degradable garbage. They are to implement specific measures for prevention or mitigation.
The DDMAs have also been instructed to promote general education and awareness regarding the management of plastic waste and non-degradable garbage in vulnerable areas of the districts. This includes informing the community about actions they can take to prevent and mitigate hazards caused by the improper disposal of such waste.
Furthermore, the DDMAs are directed to review and examine existing committees and orders related to the use of plastic and non-degradable waste, and to take measures to reinforce these orders to prevent and mitigate hazards caused by irresponsible disposal.
The NSDMA also stated that the DDMAs should provide reports on the measures undertaken at the district level to prevent the environmental hazards caused by the irresponsible disposal of plastic waste and non-degradable garbage.