Meghalayas biggest traditional market - Iew Duh would soon ban the use of plastic and the authorities intend to promote use of leaves and organic bags as substitute.
The market has over 1000 shops and at least 5000 hawkers doing business daily.
The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, which has jurisdiction over the market, has taken a decision to declare Iew Duh as a no plastic zone in a meeting Tuesday convened by Trade and Market departments in which the traditional chieftain (Syiem) the Hima Mylliem Ainam Manik Syiem also attended.
A formal notification to this effect will be issued soon, Executive Member in charge of Trade, Paul Lyngdoh, told PTI.
We encourage people to use traditional leaves, organic bags and other biodegradable products as alternative to plastics for shopping and marketing purposes, Lyngdoh said.
The Executive member has also warned shopkeepers at the Iew Duh to comply with the orders of the Council failing which stringent action will be taken against them that include cancelling of the trading license, a fine or both.
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The ban decision was welcomed by environment activists across the state hailing the Council for taking a bold decision for protection of the environment.
Noted environment warrior and an editor of a leading English daily here, Patricia Mukhim, welcomed the decision and lauded the Council for taking a step towards protection of environment.
I am very happy about this decision. It was long overdue, she said.
Meanwhile, the council has also set up a committee to identify a location at Iew Duh or within its vicinity for setting up of coal storage facility for storages of perishable items.
Paul Lyngdoh said the council would be submitting a proposal to the government of India for sanctioning of fund for the project.
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