Shillong, July 20: The District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong has issued a prohibitory order under Section 144 CrPC prohibiting the use of polythene with a thickness of less than 40 microns as one of the measures to curb the proliferation of plastic wastes in all Tourist spots, location and destinations in East Khasi Hills District. This order comes into force with immediate effect.
The order has been issued in view of the reports received time and again that indiscriminate disposal of used plastic in various forms is rampantly taking place in Tourist spots, locations and destinations within the District and this has resulted in an alarming accumulating of plastic wastes which is increasingly becoming an eyesore and a nuisance besides adversely reducing the scenic and aesthetic pristine beauty of popular Tourist Landmarks within the District.
This has a tendency to discourage incoming Tourists and other Visitors thereby affecting the economy, generation of revenue and other income opportunities for both Government and Non-Government Agency(s) as well as other private groups and individuals who are dependent directly or indirectly on State Tourism.
Moreover, haphazard dumping of used plastic is in serious contravention to the various Environmental Protection Act & Waste Management Rules of Government of India with special reference to Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 and Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
