Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court has taken a decisive step towards a cleaner environment by imposing a complete ban on single-use plastic within the state’s temples and shops.
A division bench headed by Chief Justice S Vaidyanathan emphasized the urgent need to combat plastic pollution, terming it a critical battle for public health and planetary well-being.
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The court suggested tetra pack cartons as a potential eco-friendly alternative to plastic.
To ensure compliance, the court ordered the installation of CCTV cameras in all temples to deter plastic usage within sacred premises. Strict penalties, including shop closures, were announced for businesses found storing or using plastic bags.
The state government has been directed to implement rigorous checks at entry points and conduct regular raids on shops to enforce the ban.
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The court stressed the importance of hefty fines for violators, drawing a parallel with Singapore’s successful plastic management through strict laws.
The Meghalaya government has been instructed to submit a detailed report on its action plan to address the plastic menace.