The State government has been grappling with two majorproblems during the International Film Festival of India all these years “traffic and garbage management.
And, as usual, authorities responsible announce steps andstrategies to tackle these problems.
This year, the Corporation of the City of Panajicommissioner promises to tackle garbage issue differently.
For the first time, CCP has decided to do away with use ofplastic at the film festival.
“We are happy that this year we are in better position inmanaging garbage at the venue and we expect to reduce garbage by two tones,”said CCP Commissioner, Sanjit Rodrigues.
Garbage bins have been installed at various points and staffdeputed to guide the delegates.
Use of plastic has been banned at the venue and stall ownershave been directed to use only metal or melamine plates which can be washed andreused.
Learning from previous experiences CCP has taken variousmeasures to reduce garbage generated during the festival. Initiating aneco-friendly concept CCP has banned use of carry bags, aluminum-foiled andstyrofoam plates at the IFFI venue.
“We are not allowing glasses made of plastic or styrofoam.Glasses made of only recyclable and high-grade plastic will be allowed at thevenue,” Rodrigues said.
Every year around four tonnes of garbage is being generatedduring the festival.
This year CCP will collect and carry out preliminary sortingof garbage at the venue and then move it to the treatment unit.
Most of the stall owners were happy with the plans put inplace to manage garbage barring a few who complained that use of leaves affectedtheir business.
“The decision to make IFFI eco-friendly is commendable but afor a fruit and juice stall owner like me, I have been facing problems ascustomers were not all happy of being served on leaves,” said Mukesh Shah, astall owner.
Another stall owner expressed happiness over the concept andsaid: “Whenever something new is introduced, initially there is resistance. Butin the long run it will benefit. Serving in steel plates is good for us as wewill save money from spending on paper plates.”
CCP officials and corporators were confident that this yearthere will be no garbage issues at IFFI.
“We are confident that this year garbage will be managedproperly. We have two sorting units in the venue where garbage will besegregated as and when it comes,” said co-opted member Patricio Pinto.
