It is now more than 5 years since the government of Nagaland first announced its intention to ban single use plastics in view of the grave environmental and ecological threats posed by rampant use of plastic items and its resolve to make Nagaland plastic free. The government subsequently announced a complete ban on single-use plastics in 2019, and a similar ban was reissued in 2022, joining the rest of the country on July 1. Nagaland’s campaign against single use plastics received some success but the COVID19 pandemic-induced lockdown brought normal life to a halt, including the campaign against single use plastics. A number of villages have since reported successfully tackling the menace of plastic pollution. Several advocacy groups have also emerged in Nagaland, including Mokokchung, joining the movement against plastic pollution. No doubt, there is now more awareness about the ills of plastic pollution among the masses. For instance, this is manifested by the use of biodegradable items instead of single use plastics in almost all social events like weddings and festivals in recent times.
Nonetheless, there still remains a lot more to be done and we still have a long way to go. It is notable that the government has notified the ban on specific single use plastic items. However, its implementation needs to be reviewed from time to time. In a place like Mokokchung where there are no manufacturing units of single use plastic items, it can actually be easily implemented provided the authorities are sincere. How effective the ban is can be said to be directly proportionate to how determined the government agencies are. Of course, the public in general must cooperate and adopt certain lifestyle changes in order to realize the ideal of a plastic free Nagaland but effective implementation of the ban largely depends on how effectively the authorities implement it. It is very unfortunate that most of the banned single use plastic items are readily available in the market in Mokokchung today. It is observed that the people of Mokokchung by and large are already sensitized about the menace of plastic pollution and the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in general. However, the convenience offered by single use plastic items and its availability deters the masses from making the much needed lifestyle changes to a large extent.
It is in this respect that the authorities concerned, the advocacy groups, concerned citizens and stakeholders must come together to reinvigorate the campaign against plastic pollution in Mokokchung. If the campaign were to be successfully carried out in Mokokchung town, its ripple effect would be spread across the district and beyond. Further, efforts must be made to encourage and even incentivize those initiatives that are venturing into businesses that offer alternatives to single use plastics.