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Shillongites encouraged to shun plastic bags

By Staff correspondent

SHILLONG, Oct 28 - With an estimated 5,000 single use plastic bags being used daily at Shillong alone, efforts are being made to encourage people to carry environment-friendly shopping bags to the markets.

Organising an awareness programme at the Laitumkhrah market today by the Meghalaya State Planning Board (MSPB), its Chairman Lambor Malngiang said the time has come to act and start use of environment-friendly material.

Malngiang said the effects of plastic bags on the environment are devastating. �Plastic is the major pollutant on earth and has become a global concern,� the MSPB chairman said.

Urging people to reject plastic bags, Malngiang said, environment-friendly bags can be reused and not only these help protect the environment, but can also generate income and employment.

�We must stop using plastic altogether. We can make this campaign successful,� he added.

Local MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh said plastic is one of the most dangerous threats to our environment. �Banning of plastic is in almost all aspects only advantageous. Plastic waste damages, kills, chokes and is a hazard to all living things,� she said.

The event was organised to provide awareness and in-depth knowledge on ways to eradicate plastic and use other environment-friendly carry bags and packaging material.

Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills Matsiewdor War Nongbri said the State lagged behind in respect to cleanliness in all aspects. She hoped that the project launched today will help create awareness amongst the general public about the need to eradicate plastic for a clean and green city and State.

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