the goan I network
PANAJI
Buoyed on by the recent ban in Maharashtra on plastic and already behind schedule on its plan to make Goa plastic-free, the Goa government is contemplating strengthening the legislation in the upcoming session of the assembly and has sent out instructions to that effect.
According to sources in the government, the Chief Minister has asked his officers to draft amendments to the Goa Tourist Place (Protection and Maintenance) Act to include hefty penalties for the illegal use of plastic as well as for littering in public and tourist places.
Once ready, the draft will be placed before the cabinet before being tabled in the upcoming session of the legislative assembly.
Earlier Parrikar who had set on a mission to make Goa plastic free by 2020 had said that total ban on the use of plastic carry bags in Goa would be implemented and alternatives for things like milk packets and other forms of plastic that have become part of the plastic ecosystem in Goa would be found.
Goa already has a ban on the use of plastic below 50-microns as well as a total ban on the use of plastic in tourist spots like that of Old Goa Heritage Complex, the Miramar beach, Dona Paula jetty and other areas of tourist importance.
The ban on plastic was first brought in force from Gandhi Jayanti (October 2, 2002). It included the wildlife sanctuaries of Cotigao, Bhagwan Mahavir and Bondla. Subsequently in 2003, and again in 2004, the notifications were amended -- several other and more popular tourist spots were added to include Miramar beach stretching from Goa Marriott Resort to Aivao village in Caranzalem, the Dona Paula Jetty, the Tourism Jetty below the Mandovi bridges, all parks and gardens of the city of Panaji, the municipal limits of Mormugao, Carambolim lake in Carambolim, Mayem lake in Mayem, the Legislative Assembly and Secretariat Complex, the limits of Goa University and the New Collectorate Building and Office Complex in Margao.
The reasons given were that the plastics have caused “severe adverse environmental effects involving aesthetic degradation, blocking of waterways/ drainage channels, adverse health effects on humans/animals, etc and that
CM MEANS BUSINESS
Chief Minister has asked his officers to draft amendments to the Goa Tourist Place (Protection and Maintenance) Act
It is proposed to include hefty penalties for the illegal use of plastic as well as for littering in public and tourist places
