SHILLONG: The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) will conduct checks in the city to curb the use of plastic bags after carrying out the exercise recently at Iewduh.
Sources in the MSPCB told The Shillong Times that other areas in the city will also be covered.
The official further said that traditional institutions have taken a positive step to regulate the use of plastic especially carry bags which do not conform to the Plastic Rules, 2016.
Asked about the quantum of plastic waste generated in the city, the official said that though confirmed statistics are not available, going by the volume of plastic carry bags in circulation in the commercial areas, about 10 tonnes of such waste per month is being generated.
“The Rules restrict use of plastic carry bags of less than 50 microns. However, enforcing compliance of the provisions require strengthening,” the source said.
It may be mentioned that the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has imposed a blanket ban on plastic and has encouraged the use of leaves and cloth bag.
Recently, a project called “Beat Plastic Pollution with Sla & Pla” was launched at the Laitumkhrah Parking Lot.
The project is a mission mode initiative of the Meghalaya State Planning Board.
As an initiative to beat plastic, a kiosk which sells cloth, leaves (dopwai and ‘lamet) has been set up.
The kiosk is made from recycled materials except for the wood and is designed and made by persons with disabilities (PWDs).
