PANAJI
The implementation of the State-wide ban on single-use plastic commenced on October 2, 2019. However, four-and-a-half-years later, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant admitted that the government failed to enforce the ban strictly, resulting in minimal impact.
On the occasion of World Environment Day, Sawant announced to implement the plastic ban law more rigorously with proper planning and determination to bring the change.
“The ban on single-use plastic was announced with much fanfare, but it has remained merely on paper,” Sawant admitted while addressing the State function.
“But from today, we will have to start its implementation more seriously. I agree we had drafted the law to ban plastic but failed to enforce it strictly. Let us commence it from today,” he added.
In August, 2019, Goa government introduced amendment to the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (control) banning manufacturing, import, sale and use of single use plastic items with hefty fines for violations.
The Act speaks about progressive penalties for repeat offences including for manufacture, import, storage, transportation or sale, use and throwing away of plastic carry bags, cups, straws, lids, cutlery, cello and poly film, metalized film, plastic cellophane paper and also for burning plastics in public. The penalties range from Rs 2,500 to Rs three lakh, apart from imprisonment extended up to three months.
Highlighting the very fact that we are consuming the plastic that we throw in rivers, sea or water bodies, Chief Minister said that “the micro plastic that we throw is consumed by the fish …and we consume the same fish later”.
Meanwhile, Sawant said that Goa’s beaches are facing serious threat due to sand erosion and to curb the same, the government has initiated sand erosion study. “If no beaches…no tourist will come to Goa. Sand erosion is something to worry about,” he said.
Earlier speaking, Secretary Environment Arun Kumar Mishra said that while Tamil Nadu tops in plastic waste production, Goa is among the third least producing States. He said that over one lakh crore turnover industries like pharma and manufacturing are involved in plastic processing.
He informed that on an average 25,000 tonnes of plastic is generated in the State annually.
Renowned social worker Prakash Amte and Mandakini Amte were special guest for the event apart from Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Tanavade.
Meanwhile, on the occasion, the government launched an e-portal for online registration of applications seeking permissions under CRZ apart from filing complaints of violations. Henceforth, all the applications would be accepted and processed through the e-portal.
