Shillong (Meghalaya), May 14: The High Court of Meghalaya has issued a set of directives to curb plastic use in the state, emphasizing the need for a cleaner environment. The court’s directive came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed earlier, highlighting the negative impact of plastic on the environment and ecosystem.
The court observed that plastic waste management is a significant problem, causing choking of water bodies and drainage systems, and accumulation of garbage in public places. To address this issue, the court has directed the Deputy Commissioners of all districts to conduct awareness camps to educate the public about the adverse effects of plastic.
The court has also directed the Deputy Commissioners to inform and convince the public through public announcements, advertisements, and other media about the detrimental effects of plastic on personal health, environment, and ecosystem. Additionally, the court has given reasonable time to individuals who have procured plastic items to return them to sellers or dispose of them hygienically.
The court has further directed the Deputy Commissioners to seize and deal with offenders who continue to use or sell plastic items with less than 120 microns thickness. The state administration has been directed to collect reports from Deputy Commissioners and file a report by June 20, 2025. The PIL will be listed again on June 25, 2025.
The court’s directive aims to reduce plastic use and promote a cleaner environment in Meghalaya, setting a precedent for environmental conservation in the state.
