Govt tells departments to curb single-use plastics

PANAJI
In a push to reduce plastic pollution, the State government has directed its departments and government offices to curb the use of single-use plastic products, including plastic carry bags, disposable cutlery and other avoidable plastic materials, while discouraging the use of PET water bottles, artificial flowers, plastic banners and folders.
The directions, issued by the Department of Environment and Climate Change under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, call for a reduction in the use of avoidable plastics, with the initiative to begin from various State government departments and offices.
The government has specifically directed that all government offices, subordinate offices and other establishments under their administrative control make every effort to curb the use of single-use and disposable plastic items.
The list of items targeted includes all types of plastic carry bags and plastic or thermocol disposable cutlery, including cups, glasses, bowls, forks, spoons, containers and straws used for serving food and beverages.
The order further calls upon government offices to discourage the use of several other plastic products, including artificial flowers, banners, flags, flower pots, PET plastic water bottles, plastic folders and trays, as well as any other plastic material for which alternatives are available.
The government has cited the environmental and health hazards associated with plastic materials, particularly short-life PVC flex boards and posters that are widely used for temporary advertisements and other purposes.
Referring to a communication from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change dated February 13, 2020, the order notes that PVC banners and posters contain polyvinyl chloride, a non-biodegradable material which releases toxic fumes, including dioxins and furans, when burnt. These harmful toxins can accumulate in the food chain and pose serious risks to human health and the environment.
The State government has maintained that a strict reduction in the use of avoidable plastics is necessary to protect Goa's environment and that government establishments must lead the initiative.