Guwahati, July 15 -- Tourists and locals have warmly welcomed the recent decision to ban plastic food packets at Ward's Lake in Meghalaya, as the popular Shillong attraction now looks cleaner and more inviting.

Meghalaya's Tourism Department implemented the ban after it took over the lake's management from the Forest Department. Officials introduced the measure to improve hygiene and enhance the visitor experience at one of the city's most frequented destinations.

Explaining the move, a tourism official cited growing concerns over littering, particularly the careless disposal of plastic wrappers and bottles, as a major challenge in keeping the lake and its surroundings clean.

Visitors have already noticed the positive impact. A tourist...