Shillong, Aug 13: In its bid to protect and preserve the environment, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has declared Ãewduh, the oldest and largest traditional market in the state, as a ‘No plastic zone’ to encourage the market goers to use organic bags.
The decision was taken at a meeting convened by the executive member in charge Trade Paul Lyngdoh and executive member in charge market Jambor War with the Dorbar of Hima Mylliem led by its acting Syiem Ainam Manik Syiem here on Tuesday.
After the meeting, Lyngdoh told reporters that the use of plastics has been banned in Ãewduh market as it has been declared as a no plastic zone.
In order to implement the declaration with immediate effect, the EM said strategic locations will be identified to give wide publicity of the decision besides holding of awareness programmes on the harmful effects of plastic on the environment.
“We would also encourage people to use leaves, organic bags and other biodegradable products as alternative to plastics for shopping and marketing purposes,†he added.
Asked, Lyngdoh said the council will take strong action against shops including those owned by non-tribals who violates the declaration to the extent of cancelling their trading license adding penalty as per the Protection of Environment Act will also be implemented.
Meanwhile, the executive member further informed that the meeting has also resolved to set up a cold storage facility for storing perishable items sold in Ãewduh and ensure that the health beings of the people is not compromised.
He said a committee was also constituted to identify a suitable location at Ãewduh or within its vicinity for the setting up of the coal storage facility. The committee will be headed by secretary of the Council and myntris (ministers) of the Hima Mylliem.
On the funding aspect, Lyngdoh said that the Council would submit a proposal to the government of India for sanctioning of fund for the project. According to him, there is also possibility of roping in private players for implementation of the cold storage facility.
