Officials in East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya have seized over 1,700 kilograms of banned single-use plastic items from multiple markets. The crackdown, carried out on July 16, comes in the wake of directives from the Meghalaya High Court, which has banned the manufacture, sale, and storage of single-use plastic products across the state. A joint inspection team comprising Executive Magistrates, Meghalaya Police, and officials from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) conducted surprise checks across several commercial areas in the district, including Ladrymbai Market, Khliehriat Market, Sookilo Market, and Umpleng Cement Market.
According to a senior district official, the team confiscated approximately 1,705.451 kg of plastic materials that failed to meet the minimum thickness requirement of 120 microns as mandated under the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021.The confiscated materials primarily consisted of plastic carry bags and packaging sheets, which continue to be widely used despite repeated bans and awareness campaigns. These items were found to be in violation of environmental standards and pose a significant threat to local ecosystems, particularly in fragile hill regions like East Jaintia Hills.
“This action is part of a sustained effort to enforce the High Court’s ban and promote environmental safety,” said a district administration official involved in the operation. “We are committed to eliminating the use of illegal plastic products and holding violators accountable.”Vendors and shopkeepers found in possession of banned items were issued official warnings, and authorities have made it clear that repeat violations could result in legal penalties, fines, and possible closure of business establishments.