The Meghalaya High Court has announced a ban on single-use plastics in temples and retail shops across the state. This decision, led by Chief Justice S Vaidyanathan, also promotes the use of tetra pak cartons, which are primarily paper-based and could serve as a viable alternative to plastics.
In its ruling, the court emphasized that the fight against plastic is crucial not only for environmental preservation but also for public health. The bench highlighted that the ban should start within temple premises, instructing temple authorities to ensure no plastic bags are used around worship areas. To enforce this, the court ordered the installation of CCTV cameras in temples to monitor and deter the use of plastic.
Shops across Meghalaya are also affected by the new regulations. The court has mandated a prohibition on storing and using plastic bags, with heavy fines imposed on violators. Persistent offenders may face even stricter penalties, including potential closure of their businesses.
The court directed the state government to actively enforce these regulations by conducting periodic raids and imposing substantial fines on those caught using plastics. Drawing inspiration from stringent regulations in Singapore, the bench stressed that strict penalties and increased awareness are essential to eliminate plastic use.
The High Court has also instructed the state government to submit an affidavit detailing the measures taken to comply with the ban and ensure effective enforcement.
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