the goan I network
MAPUSA
Mapusa city fathers on Wednesday unanimously decided to ban single-use plastic in Mapusa with immediate effect.
“All straws, plastic cups and carry bags will be banned in the jurisdiction of Mapusa Municipal Council. The ban comes into effect with immediate effect,” said MMC Chairperson Ryan Braganza.
The decision has been taken as part of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign recently launched by the PM.
Initiating a discussion on the issue, former chairperson and senior councillor, Sandip Falari, suggested instead of implementing a total ban it would be prudent to look at options of providing a replacement for plastic.
“If we are looking at paper bags as an option then we will have to axe trees to produce paper which impacts the environment. We will have to look at recycling plastic.”
He also suggested promotion of bags made out of rexin.
Councillor Tushar Tople suggested taking stringent action against those who fail to adhere to the plastic ban.
“From 2014 we have been only holding discussions on initiating a ban. I think we need to implement it and impose stiff fines against those who are caught breaking the law on plastic,” Tople said.
According to councillor Rajsingh Rane, a blanket ban on plastic was not a good idea as the council had failed to provide an alternative to the public. Former chairperson and senior councillor Rohan Kavlekar suggested that the alternative to plastic should be made available with the self-help group store stationed in the market.
He also said that trade licences of all those who were found selling banned plastic material should be cancelled to dissuade the practice.
He further disclosed that a truck with plastic material comes to Mapusa early in the morning every day to distribute plastic material and asked the council to keep a tab on the movement of the truck.
Swachhata Hi Seva movement is a massive countrywide awareness and mobilization campaign on cleanliness with special focus on plastic waste management.
