Team Herald
PANJIM: Commercial establishments, retail stores, vendors if found selling or using plastic bags within the capital city jurisdiction will be fined Rs 5,000 for the first offence, from Tuesday onwards. If found violating the ban again they would be penalised Rs 10,000 per offence.
The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has imposed ban on use and distribution of plastic bags within its jurisdiction since October 2. While several vegetable, fruit and fish vendors along with some commercial establishments have been following the rule, but there are still many who are using plastic bags to carry out their day-to-day business.
Hence, CCP during its last council meeting on November 30 had resolved to penalise those violating the rules.
Speaking to Herald, CCP Mayor Vithal Chopdekar said the council during its meeting decided to impose penalties on those using carry bags from first week of December. “Hence, we have decided to begin the drive from Tuesday. For the first offence, a fine of Rs 5,000 will be imposed and for every repeated offence the fine of Rs 10, 000 would be imposed,” he said.
He said, “The ban on plastic carry bags is in force and despite this, we have received complaints that the establishments are making use of the same.”
Chopdekar said from Tuesday onwards, inspectors will carry out surprise random checks and accordingly, the violators will be booked. “The plastic carry bags will be also confiscated,” he added.
