Shillong, June 26: The Meghalaya High Court has directed the state government to take comprehensive action for strictly implementing the ban on single-use plastic items of less than 120 microns in the state.
In its order passed after hearing a PIL, the division bench comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh said, “We direct that comprehensive action should be taken to enforce the orders of this Court dated 16th August, 2024, read with the subsequent orders, the last of which was made on May 14, 2025, and the administrative measures adopted by the government.”
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The bench, while considering a report filed by the respondents, observed that action in terms of the order dated August 16, 2024, had only been taken in a major portion of East Khasi Hills District and not in others.
The Court passed a detailed order on May 14, 2025, directing the Deputy Commissioners to carry out awareness camps, make public announcements of the health hazards of plastic use, and take steps to prevent the manufacture, sale, and use of banned plastic items.
Today, the counsel for the State respondent filed a report stating compliance with the Court’s order dated May 14, 2025. The report specifies district-wise compliance in 11 districts, except East Jaintia Hills.
The Court directed the State respondent to file a compliance report by the authorities of East Jaintia Hills before the next date of hearing.
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The Court noted that the District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District, had issued a “prohibitory order banning the sale and use of plastic carry bags of less than 120 microns from June 2025.” Similar prohibitory orders had been issued in other districts, and awareness camps, monitoring, and measures against wrongdoers had been initiated.
Further, the Court has directed the State to file a supplementary action taken report on the next date of hearing, August 12, 2025.
(Newmai News Network)