Shillong: To curb plastic pollution, the Meghalaya High Court has instructed the state government to rigorously implement its orders banning the manufacture, marketing, and use of plastic in the state.

The court's directive comes in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by High Court lawyer Phuyosa Yobin seeking a complete ban on plastics.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Indra Prassana Mukerji and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh reviewed the government's action taken report and expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far. However, the court stated that this was only the beginning and directed the government to provide more detailed information on its efforts to enforce the plastic ban.

The government's report highlighted various initiatives, including awareness camps, meetings with stakeholders, and promotion of alternatives to plastic. The court appreciated these efforts but sought more specific details on inspection drives as to where, when and how inspections were conducted, and their outcomes.

The court also sought details on the weight or number of plastic items seized, plastic waste collected, and locations of collection.

Details of actions taken and information on the elimination drive against single-use plastic were also sought.

The court has directed the state government to submit another report by May 12, 2025, before the next hearing on May 14, 2025.