The Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) has imposed a strict ban on single-use plastic items and plastic carry bags below 120 microns within its jurisdiction, with commercial establishments, shops, supermarkets, hotels, eateries and street vendors directed to immediately stop using prohibited plastic items. Businesses have also been instructed to switch to eco-friendly and biodegradable alternatives.

However, looking at the range of items covered by the ban, including plastic-stemmed earbuds, balloon sticks, plastic flags, candy and ice-cream sticks, thermocol decorations, plates, cups, cutlery, straws and stirrers, it seems unlikely that the ban can actually be implemented unless the production and supply of such plastic items are also halted. Traders dealing in plastic packaging have also been told to comply with the mandatory statutory labelling requirements under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.

Plastic pollution in Itanagar, particularly the use and improper disposal of non-biodegradable single-use plastics, is a massive problem, with drains and rivers clogged beyond control. However, the effectiveness of the ban will ultimately depend on strict enforcement and regular inspections, which the administration has assured it will carry out, as well as public and commercial compliance. It is often seen that such orders are rarely implemented effectively.