no-plastics
In a significant move to curb the carefree use of plastics in Meghalaya, the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) has put a ban on plastic bags. They will be replaced by the traditional hand-woven bags called “Pla Iew”. Edible Commodities are being preferred to be packed in Leaves called “Sla”. A fine of 100 Rs will be put on those found using the illegal plastic carry bags and Rs 500 for the second offence and those committing more offences will be imprisoned.
Defending the drastic decision, the urban affairs minister Ampareen Lyngdoh said that the decision was necessary and that the once-crystal-clear river Umkhrah, which passes through the heart of Shillong, has become polluted mainly because of clogging due to plastic bags. He also said that all forms of plastics ended up in the Umiam lake which is 20 km north of Shillong, hence destroying the scenic reservoir.
In the drive against the unauthorized use and sale of plastics, two truckloads of plastic bags were confiscated from various shops in Shillong. Authorities believe that their drive has so far has been successful in sending a strong message to the public and the shopkeepers.