TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: With an estimated three to four tonnes of garbage expected to be generated at the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) each day, the Corporation of the City of Panaji is gearing up to tackle the waste at the source itself and even levying fines by putting in place a segregation system at the food stalls and commercial outlets.
Their two-pronged plan includes segregation at source and squads which will fine offenders caught littering the venues.
“Each day, there will be about three to four tonnes of garbage generated; which maybe even more over weekends. Apart from segregation at stalls, we are trying to fabricate specialised segregation stations, where people can check the signs and dispose waste themselves,” says CCP Commissioner Sanjit Rodrigues.
Like last year, this year too there are restrictions on the use of certain materials, especially plastic bags and bottles. In bottles, the municipal corporation has asked for not less than 500 ml packaging.
In a meeting with members of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) and vendors, the CCP has asked them to follow certain rules with respect to packaging.
“We have asked for either biodegradable leaf or starch plates. Various materials have been indicated to them (ESG and vendors) for use. It is an order from the CCP. We will confiscate any material apart from this,” Rodrigues stated.
Speaking about the squads, Rodrigues says that there were squads last year too, called seeti bajao, where volunteers blew whistles when they caught anyone littering. This year they have decided to go a notch higher and will fine offenders under the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1996.
“This year, we will levy fines as per the Act. A repeat offence by the same person or stall will attract higher fine,” the commissioner said.
Two squads have been constituted by the District Magistrate in this regard.
