PANJIM: As the Central government’s ban on single-use plastics comes into force from July 1, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) is gearing up to crackdown on wholesalers and distributors violating the ban.
The Board will also conduct special awareness among the stakeholders to ensure effective implementation.
The State government had in August 2019 amended the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act to ban the manufacture, sale and use of single-use plastic items and carry bags, with a penalty of Rs 2,500 to Rs three lakh on the violators.
Speaking to media persons, GSPCB Chairman Mahesh Patil said that they have already identified manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors involved in production and sale of plastic. He said special squads will be deployed to take action against those violating the directions.
Patil said that from mid-July, the authority will start cracking down on the retailers stocking the single-use plastics. “It is very important to break the chain,” he said.
The Board recently held meeting with plastic manufacturers, who were found to be well-equipped for the ban. There are around 12-13 manufacturers in the State.
The authority will carry out random inspections of plastic waste raw material suppliers to check that the same is not supplied to producers.
As per Central notification, by December 31, 2022, only plastic bags of 120-micron thickness will be permitted.
“There are already alternatives to plastics available in Goa like bioplastic, being manufactured at a unit in Corlim. Currently, plastic above 75 microns can be in use,” Patil informed.