Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 661/05

BAN ON USAGE OF PLASTIC BAGS

The Chief Executive Officer, Shillong Municipal Board has directed all the allottees of municipal stalls as well as private shopkeepers to fully stop the use of plastic bags with effect from January 1, 2006. Failure to comply will attract stern action which can results in the cancellation of allotment of stalls and trade license.

The Shillong Municipal Board is greatly concerned with the hazardous impact that plastic bags have on the environment of the city. It is also noted that most of the shops pack their goods most particularly food items in plastic bags, which is prejudicial to health. Most of the plastic bags from the shops indirectly end up as offensive matter in streets and drains.

The Shillong Municipal Board would like to suggest to all the municipal stalls and private shops to use paper or cloth instead of plastic bags. The citizens of the city are also requested to cooperate in this regard by not accepting plastic bags.