Meghalaya’s Eastern West Khasi Hills Bans Plastic Bags Below 120 Microns

The District Magistrate of Eastern West Khasi Hills in Meghalaya has issued a prohibitory order banning the manufacture, import, stocking, sale, and use of plastic carry bags that are thinner than 120 microns. This order was issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. It forms part of the state’s intensified measures to implement the nationwide ban on single-use plastics. The directive is in line with the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021, as notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. These rules aim to reduce the detrimental environmental impacts of plastic pollution by enforcing tighter controls on plastic use and encouraging sustainable alternatives.

The order explicitly prohibits all activities related to substandard plastic carry bags, including their manufacture, import, storage, sale, and usage. Authorities have also made it clear that strict legal action will be taken against violators of the order. However, the directive allows affected individuals or parties to appeal before the competent legal authority if they believe they have been wronged by the enforcement of the order.

In line with the implementation of this ban, enforcement teams have conducted surprise inspections across various districts of the state. These raids have led to the seizure of over two metric tonnes of banned plastic items this year alone. The inspections are being carried out by district-level special task forces comprising representatives from multiple departments, including district administration, police, urban affairs department, and the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB).

According to officials from the MSPCB, the primary aim of these surprise checks is to identify, confiscate, and remove banned plastic items that are still being circulated in local markets. These raids are also aimed at ensuring that businesses and consumers comply with the government’s regulations on plastic use. In addition to enforcement, these task forces are engaged in awareness campaigns to educate the public and promote the adoption of environmentally friendly alternatives such as cloth bags and jute bags.

An official from the MSPCB emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating that efforts are being made not just to penalize offenders but also to guide the public towards more sustainable habits. The transition away from single-use plastics is being viewed as a vital component of the state's broader environmental conservation and sustainability agenda.

This comprehensive approach—combining legal prohibition, strict enforcement, public awareness, and promotion of eco-friendly alternatives—is a critical step in curbing the long-term environmental damage caused by plastic waste. The ban is expected to have a far-reaching impact in reducing pollution, preserving natural habitats, and promoting cleaner surroundings in Meghalaya. By aligning local efforts with national environmental policies, the Eastern West Khasi Hills administration is contributing meaningfully to India’s overall mission of sustainable development.