Shillong, July 17: Over 1705 kgs of single-use plastics of less than 120 microns were seized recently from several East Jaintia Hills shops during a joint inspection, district deputy commissioner said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Executive magistrates, police, and representatives from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board carried out the exercise in compliance with the directions of the Meghalaya High Court.
During the inspection, several shops in Ladrymbai market, Khliehriat market, Sookilo markets, and Umpleng area (cement market) were entered and inspected where approximately 1705.451 kgs of single use plastics of less than 120 microns were seized.
The inspection aimed to enforce the ban on single-use plastics in the state.
On June 25, the Meghalaya High Court had directed the State government to take comprehensive actions for strictly implementing the ban on single-use plastic items of less than 120 microns in the state.
A report was also filed by the State stating compliance with the court’s order dated 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.
The report had specified district-wise compliance in 11 districts, except East Jaintia Hills.
The Court had directed the State to file a compliance report by the authorities of East Jaintia Hills before the next date of hearing on August 12.
