Meghalaya to ban plastic bags soon

SHILLONG, March 4: Shillongites may soon have to carry shopping bags to the market as the Meghalaya Government has decided to ban plastic bags. The decision came in the wake of pressures from various NGOs and local 'durbars' who have been expressing grave concern over the extensive damages caused to the environment by the rampant use of low-density coloured plastic bags in the State. The Meghalaya Cabinet, in a meeting on March 2, approved a Bill, the Meghalaya Prohibition of Manufacture, Sale, Use and throwing of Low-density Plastic Bags Bill, 2001, which will be introduced in the Budget session of the State Assembly beginning on March 16. "Plastic Bags have resulted in sever pollution in the streams in Shillong and also the Umiam Lake", State Chief Minister EK Mawlong told newsmen, adding that he Government is keen to check the uncontrolled situation. Several NGOs like "Shillong We Care" and local 'Durbars' have been voicing concern that on-biodegradable plastic bags are causing incalculable damages to the environment of the State capital and the surrounding areas. Some local 'durbars' have even gone to the extent of banning the use of plastic bags within their localities. A number of traders and shopkeepers have gone back to use paper-bags.