In view of the alarming pollution and hazards caused through wastes, particularly plastics, in Kohima, the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) has appealed to all citizens of Kohima town, offices and institutions –both government and private –organizations, business establishments, hotels, restaurants, or any such food business operators etc to reduce, if not completely stop the use of plastics, Styrofoam and all such non-biodegradable items.
In a press release, KMC administrator, Kovi Meyase, also appealed to the citizens of to abstain from using one-time use plastics like disposable crockery including spoons, forks and plates etc and bottled mineral water in any function, meetings or congregations.
The appeal was made considering the arrival of the festive season and continuous increase of holding of functions and activities of various kinds.
KMC suggested that efforts be made to use steel plates and cups, forks and spoons or any bio-degradable substitutes in place of work, programme or functions. It also suggested that mineral water bottles be replaced by water dispensers.
Further, KMC requested citizens to avoid use of plastics carry bags and instead shop with their cloth bags.
KMC pointed out that plastics and thermocol cutlery were the biggest pollutants in Nagaland while citing a survey conducted in by an NGO in Kohima.
As per the survey, it was estimated that of the 4309 registered shops, each shop utilizes an average of 472 plastic carry bags per day.
Therefore, keeping in mind the consequences involved to health and environment , KMC said people must make choices that could reduce use to ultimately adopt a plastic-free lifestyle once again.
Citizens have also been requested to avoid throwing plastics or garbage into the streams.
KMC reminded wards to put greater efforts into segregation of their wastes from the household levels. In this connection, KMC, in collaboration with the association of Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayat and the Kohima Green Team would further undertake sensitization exercises in all wards, it stated.