PANAJI
The government has introduced a bill to amend the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1996 to prohibit dumping of garbage in public as well as private spaces and to impose penalties on violators.
The amendment also gives Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) the powers to monitor via a digital platform the waste generated by industries and to also impound vehicles used for illegal dumping of waste in the State.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant introduced the amendment bill standing in for Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira.
The amendment brings under the ambit of the law industry, hotels and restaurants which generate more than 50 kg of non-biodegradable waste every day.
It also brings in more items within the definition of non-biodegradable waste such as: metal, paper, multi-layer plastic, rubber, glass wool, fiber reinforced plastic, glass fiber, paper based beverage carton (tetra pack), leather, wood utilized for packaging, corrugated boxes and cardboard, jute and woven bags.
As for vehicles used to illegally dump garbage, the amendment says these shall be impounded by police personnel in whose jurisdiction the violation occurs. Suspending the validity of the vehicle's documents and licences for a one month and a fine of Rs 25,000 for the first offence is provided for.
For repeat offences the fines are hiked to Rs 50,000 and suspension of licences for three months for the second and a fine of Rs one lakh and suspension for six months for the third offence are proposed.
After the third offence, further violations will invite permanent cancellation of all licencing of the vehicle, the amendment proposes.
