Natural Christmas trees seem to have found fewer takers in Shillong city of Meghalaya. Thanks to manufacturers of artificial Christmas trees.
In the past, people used to buy branches of pine trees from markets and erect the branch as Christmas tree during this festive season.
However, in the last couple of years, people have shifted their allegiance to artificial Christmas tree made of plastic. These plastic trees are being manufactured outside Meghalaya.
Villagers from places like Mawreng area in East Khasi Hills district used to bring to the city branches of pine tree during this festive season and sell the same at different rates starting from Rs 250 per branch.
Earlier it was a craze for the people to go for the natural Christmas trees being sold at various shops in main markets areas of the city like Iewduh, Khyndai Lad and other commercial areas in Shillong.
But now, people started preferring plastic Christmas tree to natural ones, because the same plastic tree can be used in the next Christmas seasons.
However, Synsharlang and friends admitted that plastic trees would surely spoil the environment when time comes for condemnation.
“While natural Christmas trees would not harm the environment even if you throw them anywhere, but plastic trees would affect the environment since plastics are not biodegradable,” he said.
With few hours to go for Christmas celebrations to begin commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, Shillong city has been decked up with Christmas decorations and lights especially in people’s houses including government buildings and commercial hubs.
Khyndai Lad area or Police Bazaar, the main commercial centre here wears a festive look as the area has been lit up with Christmas decorations on Saturday evening.
The city also witnessed mad rush of people for shopping who bought items including gifts besides Christmas cakes.