Our Bureau
TURA/AMPATI, June 12: The Deputy Commissioners of West Garo Hills and South West Garo Hills have issued stringent orders, banning the use of plastic items within their respective jurisdictions with an aim to combat plastic pollution and ensure better waste management practices.
South West Garo Hills DC Hema Nayak, in an order, has prohibited the use of plastic bags, covers and other plastic items below 120 microns within the premises of the DC’s Office, Ampati. Citing severe environmental and ecological degradation caused by non-recyclable plastic waste, the order mandates public awareness, departmental compliance and regular monitoring to assess the effectiveness of the measures.
In a similar move, the West Garo Hills district administration has enforced a district-wide ban on the manufacture, stocking, distribution, sale and use of plastic carry bags below 120 microns, as well as other single-use plastic items including ear buds, plastic flags, candy sticks, polystyrene decorations, cutlery and more.
The use of biodegradable plastic without proper certification from the Central Pollution Control Board is also prohibited. The order by the WGH DC, issued under the directives of the High Court of Meghalaya and empowered by relevant sections of the Environment (Protection) Act, Plastic Waste Management Rules, and the CrPC, comes into immediate effect.
The DC has, meanwhile, warned violators against action under the Environment Act and other applicable laws.