Rs 1,890-crore factory to produce biodegradable starch-based bags and bottles
Shillong, May 14: With less than two years away, Meghalaya has set an ambitious target of hosting the 39th National Games in a plastic-free environment by introducing biodegradable substitutes.
“My target is that the National Games should be completely plastic-free and biodegradable,” announced chief minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday.
For the National Games to be held in Meghalaya in February-March 2027, the state government has made elaborate arrangements including development of sports infrastructure and introduction of sustainable means, especially to promote the state’s fast-emerging tourism potentials.
The chief minister’s commitment for a plastic-free environment was also highlighted his recent address on the government’s efforts to combat plastic waste at Nongpiyur Government LP School in East Khasi Hills recently.
He visited the school to inspect a toilet made of single-use plastic waste through SUPER (Single Use Plastic Eco Recycling) Campaign 2024 initiated by My Meghalaya My Pride & Green Ammo in collaboration with Directorate of School Education & Literacy and State Project Office SEMAM-Samagra Shiksha.
Laying out the state’s vision for a plastic-free environment, he also announced an investment of Rs 1,890 crore in a state-of-the-art factory to produce starch-based bags and bottles. These compostable alternatives aim to replace traditional plastics, marking a major step towards environmental sustainability.
The company has already conducted a survey and is keen to establish the plant in Meghalaya.
While acknowledging the complexities of a complete plastic ban, which extends beyond just bags to items like chip wrappers and chocolate packaging, the chief minister emphasised a phase-wise approach, highlighting the need for community involvement alongside government intervention.
Adding to this vision of a greener Meghalaya, Nicholas Kharnami from SUPER Campaign, made a presentation focused on recycling plastic waste within schools. His approach involves using collected plastic to build essential infrastructure like toilets, demonstrating a tangible solution for waste management while promoting health and safety.
Former MLA and advisor to state government, Hamlet Dohling; director of School Education and Literacy, JA Marvin, subdivisional school education officer, headmasters, and teachers of Nongpiyur Government Lower Primary School were also present on the occasion.
