Meghalaya HC bans single-use plastic
Shillong (PTI): The Meghalaya High Court has banned single use plastic in temples and shops across the state.
The High Court Bench headed by Chief Justice S Vaidyanathan also advocated for introduction of tetra pak cartons, which are primarily made from paper and could be an effective alternative to replace plastics. The fight against plastics is not just an environmental crusade, but a battle for the health and future of our planet.
"To begin with, such a move can be started from temple premises. Temple authorities must ensure that there is no usage of plastic bags in and around the worshipping places," the Division Bench said in an order while hearing a PIL on the matter on Friday.
"CCTV cameras shall be installed in all temples, so that if anybody carries plastics inside the temple, that can be curtailed to some extent," it added.
The bench also imposed a ban on shops from storing and using plastic bags proposing heavy fines to be imposed on violators.
"If any shops are found to have stored plastic bags, a heavy fine should be imposed on them and if the practice is continued, such shops should be kept under lock and seal," the bench stated.
Directing the state government to be vigilant, the bench also ordered that the plastic items are stopped at the entry level itself.
"A periodical raid should be conducted in all shops and the Government of Meghalaya should think of imposing huge amount of fine against those who use plastics within the state of Meghalaya," it said, adding that strict enforcement of law will help eradicate plastic from society.
Citing how strong laws in Singapore force the same Indian who throws rubbish on the floor in his country to dispose of wastes in a designated dustbin in that country, the bench said, "Strict prohibitory measures and imposition of heavy fine on violators are the only solution to eradicate plastics from society, in addition to spreading awareness about the menace of plastics."
The high court has also asked the state government to file an affidavit on the matter.
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4 workers die after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad
Dhanbad (Jharkhand) (PTI): At least four workers died after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district on Saturday, a police official said.
The incident took place at Moonidih coal washery in the command area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
"Bodies of all four workers were dug out of debris during a rescue operation," Putki police station in-charge Waqar Hussain told PTI.
The incident took place when coal slurry was being loaded into trucks by workers, during which a large chunk of slurry fell and trapped several workers underneath, officials said.
The deceased have been identified as Manik Bauri, Dinesh Bauri, Deepak Bauri, and Hemlal Gope.
Meanwhile, the family members of the deceased and local villagers placed the bodies in front of the washery gate and began a protest.
They demanded compensation, jobs for dependents and action against those responsible for the incident.
Police and administration officials are trying to pacify the protesters, an official said.
