VASCO
The days of delivering food parcelled in plastic bags are numbered in Vasco, with the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) directing restaurants and hotels to use aluminium foil, instead of plastic carry bags.
In another significant move, the MMC has decided to go strict on curbing plastic usage and as part of Mission Plastic Free Vasco, has instructed ban on use and sale of all plastic bags which do not contain the specific microns mentioned on the package.
A notice which will come into effect from March 1 was issued by MMC Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes and all shopkeepers and the market association have been strictly directed to observe the directives.
“These actions are being taken to make Vasco free from plastic and a copy is also sent to the Market Association at Vasco, to be displayed at prominent places in the market,” said Fernandes.
As per directives, no plastic below 50 microns shall be allowed to be used for sale, retail, distribution or supply in the jurisdiction of MMC as per provisions of Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016.
Any transporter/vehicle supplying plastic hand bag/carry bag below 50 microns shall be penalised with a fine of Rs 1,000 per stock and reports to be submitted to the concerned authority. The material along with the vehicle will be confiscated for repeat violation.
Any person selling distributing plastic handbags below 50 microns shall not be allowed in the jurisdiction of Mormugao Municipal Council and if found, shall be penalized with fine of Rs 200.
The MMC has also directed that carry bags of recycled plastic shall not be used for packing food stuff. They have been directed to use aluminium foil instead of plastic carry bags and any restaurant found using plastic bags will have their trade licence revoked.
The MMC also instructed that no company, distributor or salesperson shall use the used bottles for repackaging drinking water.
