SHILLONG: Meghalaya is all to replace plastic bags with eco-friendly hand-woven bags called “Pla Iew” and “Sla” or leaves. The unrestraint use of plastic bags has created a havoc in the State creating all sorts of environment pollution. Food items are being packed in leaves called “Sla” as they are clean and environment-friendly. The efforts on the use biodegradable bags and leaves came close on the heels to the stringent enforcement on laws on the use of plastic bags by the Shillong Municipal Board with Meghalaya Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdonh leading a crusade to ensure that the State is free from the menace of plastic. The once crystal clear river Umkhrah, which passes through the heart of Shillong, has become so polluted with dumping of garbage along with plastics. The coloured fishes and aquatic animals that live in this river have become rare species these days. The scenic reservoir of Umiam Lake has become a place from where ragpickers can collect plastic materials. All forms of plastics find their way to the lake only to be collected, sold and transported to Guwahati for recycle. State Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, who was encouraged after the recent meeting held at Raitong Building in Shillong on the laws related to the use of Plastic in the country, is determined to implement the plastic law of the Government of India in letter and spirit in Meghalaya. In an effort to implement the plastic laws, two trucks of illegal plastic bags were confiscated altogether from various shops in the city following a drive against the sale and use of unauthorized plastic carry bags. While trying to educate the general public on the use of “Pla Iew” and “Sla and strict adherence to the Plastic Laws, Chief Executive Officer of Shillong Municipal Board T Lyngwa warned that violators of the laws would have to bear the consequence. He said that those found using illegal plastic carry bags would be fined Rs 100 as prescribed by the law and Rs 500 for the second such offence and imprisonment for those committing more offences.