Bill to ban plastic bags introduced in Meghalaya Assembly

SHILLONG, March 28: Bowing to public pressure, Meghalaya Government yesterday introduced a bill in the State Assembly seeking to ban the manufacture, sale, use and throwing of 'low density' plastic bags in public places. It had been a public concern that plastic bags are littered on public roads, drains, streams, footpaths, rivulets, parks, open spaces and grounds and every nook and corner specially in the Shillong city which was once known for its cleanliness. 'Shillong We Care', a leading NGO in the city had been campaigning for sometime for imposition of a blanket ban on 'non-biodegradable' plastic bags with a view to checking pollution and protecting the environment. Similar concerns have been expressed by several other organisations including students and youths bodies. Some dorbars (village panchayats), which are unique democratic organisations in the state, have even gone to the extent of imposing a ban on the use of plastic bags in their localities. Introducing the bill in the house yesterday, the Minister for Urban Affairs, Roshan Warjri said: "The extensive and rampant throwing of low density plastic bags is not only unhygienic but also destroys the picturesque surroundings. "It also has a detrimental effect on the ecology, sanitation and health." She outlined the object and reasons for the bill. She said, "The bill seeks to minimise the over-all degradation of the environment." The bill, once adopted by the State Assembly, will be applicable all over the state. Any person who contravenes the provision of the act will be punishable with a fine which may extend to Rs 100. Second and subsequent offence will attract a minimum fine of Rs 200 which may extend to Rs 500. The Meghalaya Commercial Crops Development Board (Amendment) Bill, 2001, was also introduced by Soil Conservation Minister AK Sangma with a view to widening the scope of the functions of the Board and to make it more effective.