Shillong (Meghalaya), March 11: The High Court of Meghalaya, comprising of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Diengdoh, has directed the state government to submit a comprehensive report on its efforts to combat plastic pollution, marking a significant step towards addressing the growing environmental concern.
The court’s directive comes in response to a PIL seeking effective implementation of plastic waste management and elimination of single-use plastics. The government has been ordered to submit a detailed report by May 12, 2025, outlining its strategies and progress made in tackling plastic pollution.
As part of its efforts, the government will have to provide details on the preventive measures taken to prevent plastic waste generation and promote sustainable practices. This includes enforcing the ban on single-use plastics and conducting regular inspections to ensure compliance.
The government will also have to report on the results of these inspections, including the number of businesses and individuals found using plastic less than 120 microns. Action taken against these violators will also be included in the report.
Furthermore, the report will include details of plastic collection drives conducted across the state, including the quantity of plastic waste collected and the locations where the drives were conducted. The government will also have to provide information on the progress made in eliminating single-use plastics, including the strategies employed and the results achieved.
The High Court’s move is seen as a significant step towards holding the government accountable for its efforts to address plastic pollution. With the state struggling to manage its plastic waste, the court’s intervention is expected to bring much-needed attention to the issue.
