MEFSU urges municipal board to ban plastic bags

From A Reporter

SHILLONG, April 27:  Meghalaya Eco-Friendly & Social Unification (MEFSU) has urged the CEO of Shillong Municipal Board E. Kharmalki to issue an order to ban the use of plastic bags below 40 microns width and also to pelize offenders as stipulated by the Environment (Protection) Act section 15 (1).

R. Marwein, president of MEFSU, said Kharmalki has assured that the board will take up this issue at the earliest.

Marwein also said: “We have also expressed the need to pelize anyone who is using, selling or stocking these plastic bags below the 40 microns of width under the Environment (Protection) Act section 15 (1)”,. Kharmalki has assured that he will implement the order to ban these plastic bags from Tuesday.

Kharmalki has urged the MEFSU and the public at large to inform the Office of Municipal Board Shillong if they find anyone using or selling these plastic bags so that action can be taken against them as per the law, said Marwein.

Marwein also informed that the Municipal Board will be conducting surprise checking on illegal use or selling of these plastic bags.

“It has been proven by many research works in the country and around the world that these plastic bags below 40 microns are non bio-degradable in ture and also poses a threat to the environment and the health of the people,” he added.

Marwein added the NGT has already issued an order regarding different cases in India to explore different ways and avenues instead of using these 40 microns plastic bags.

He also added that if the authorities concerned are able to ban these plastic bags, it will generate employment opportunities to the youths who can set up self help groups to manufacture paper bags, jute bags and others such stuff.

Marwein also informed that earlier they had met the CEM of KHADC A. Nongrum who assured them that he will take necessary initiatives to help the unemployed youths of the State to set up such self help groups.