Youngsters prepare a Narkasur effigy in Bhatulem on Tuesday. Narayan Pissurlenkar
PANAJI
With Narkasur effigy celebrations scheduled for November 7, the State government has stepped up its enforcement drive against the use of plastic and other hazardous non-biodegradable materials, prohibiting their use in the making and burning of Narkasur effigies across Goa.
Director of Environment Dashrath Redkar, in directions issued to all three district collectors, the Superintendents of Police of North, South and Kushavati districts, the Director of Panchayats, the Director of Municipal Administration and the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), has called for strict enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics and other prohibited materials during the celebrations.
The Department of Environment and Climate Change had issued a circular last month under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, prohibiting the use of single-use plastics, rubber, thermocol, synthetic fabrics and other hazardous non-biodegradable materials in Narkasur effigies. The restrictions have been imposed in view of the serious health hazards and environmental pollution caused by burning such materials.
The order warns that violations will attract penal action under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Panchayats has instructed all Block Development Officers (BDOs) to circulate the Environment Department's order among village panchayats under their respective jurisdictions and ensure strict compliance.
The BDOs have also been directed to submit compliance reports to the Environment Department, with a copy to the Directorate of Panchayats, placing the responsibility for enforcement at the grassroots level.
The move follows several complaints received by the GSPCB from residents about the use of plastic and synthetic materials in Narkasur effigies and the pollution caused when these are burnt.
Giant effigies of Narkasur, the demon killed by Lord Krishna, are taking shape at various locations across Goa ahead of the annual celebrations on the eve of Diwali. While paper is commonly used in their construction, plastic, cling film and other synthetic materials are also used for making and decorating the structures.
Burning these materials can release toxic fumes and harmful pollutants, posing risks to both public health and the environment.
Surgical oncologist and president of the BJP Medical Cell, Dr Shekhar Salkar, has also appealed to mandals and organisers to avoid using plastic and cling film while preparing Narkasur effigies. He has warned that burning such materials can release harmful fumes and urged organisers to opt for environment-friendly alternatives.
