SHILLONG: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) in collaboration with the office of the Syiem of Hima Mylliem will hold a public meeting on Monday at Iewduh to highlight the “no-plastic zone” initiative.
The KHADC had earlier notified that Iewduh will be a no-plastic zone with effect from September 1.
As per the notification issued by the Executive Members (EM) in charge of Trade and Market, Paul Lyngdoh and Jambor War respectively, shops, restaurants, roadside vendors and all business establishments are to abide by the order. The council also sought the cooperation of the public to stop the use of plastics in all forms.
Recently, Lyngdoh said the initiative will be taken forward in a phased manner dealing first with breaking the supply chain of plastics.
The notification said the Council has taken note of rampant misuse of plastics which pollute the environment and are a health hazard to humans, animals and marine life.
The highly non-degradable plastics also clog the drains, streams, rivers and lakes. The council jointly with the Hima Mylliem has resolved to enforce the ban in line with the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 at Iewduh.
The violators will be penalised in accordance with the law. The council has urged the traders who possess licenses for plastic-based units to shift to different business ventures.