PANAJI:
The POTI (Protection of Ocean, Trees, and Inhabitants) project, a joint initiative by Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC), Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC), and ARZ NGO, was inaugurated in Vasco by MLA Krishna Daji Salkar. The project aims to combat plastic pollution by distributing free recycled cloth bags, replacing single-use plastic. GWMC has provided a Kiosk/Deposit Centre, MMC allocated space at Vasco Fish Market, and ARZ is responsible for collecting old clothes to stitch the bags.
Julian Lohar of ARZ explained that the project follows the "RRRR" strategy: Refuse plastic, Recycle old clothes, Reduce waste, and Reuse materials. The initiative is expected to prevent 30,000 kg of plastic use annually and repurpose 50,000 kg of old clothes. It will also provide employment to 25 women, survivors of violence, through the WISH project. The event concluded with organisations donating clothes in exchange for bags.
