With the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) actively working towards effective enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics in the city, it is understood that the corporation will initiate a campaign called ‘Rent-a-Bag’ in order to curb the sale and use of plastic bags. Under the initiative rental bags will be available at selective shops in two sizes. The bigger size bags will cost Rs 25 and the medium size bags will be available for Rs 20. The money is completely refundable and the person can use the bag as long as is necessary and the money will be refunded once the bag is returned to the particular shop. The money will be refunded even if the bag is completely torn. It is learnt that around 6,000 bags made of recyclable cloth were distributed free of cost to the shoppers and customers at the Panaji Municipal Market. This unique initiative by CCP is indeed laudable. Vendors and shoppers need to make a serious effort to use other alternatives to plastic bags. Such an initiative needs to be adopted by other civic bodies across the state as well.
