Eco-friendly bags to be introduced soon

SHILLONG: The State Planning Board will introduce a new programme called ‘Pla and Sla’ by the end of this month.
The initiative is expected to gradually end the use of plastic bags in the city.
Meghalaya State Planning Board member Naba Bhattacharjee said the board, which met here on Friday, discussed at length the concept of phasing out plastic use with the help of the new programme.
The initiative is expected to boost rural economy, self-help groups and women’s organizations.
‘Sla’ (leaves) will be used to make biodegradable bags which will be supplied to shopkeepers, who will be given sufficient time to stop use of plastic.
With the introduction of the new plan, the government is contemplating banning plastic bags and the board also intends to set up a unit where old clothes like jainsem and others will be collected to make Plas (bags).
Meanwhile, the board will also meet the departmental heads on August 17 to discuss about the functioning of their policies.