PANJIM: In a bid to ensure a blanket ban on the use of plastic carry bags in Panjim municipal market, the Corporation of the City of Panaji has decided to act tough against violators and begin imposing fines from Monday.
CCP resolved on Friday to slap a Rs 5,000 fine on persons selling wares in plastic bags while customers found using plastic bags will be fined Rs 1,000.
“We have noticed that many vendors are not adhering to our instructions not to use plastic carry bags. It was thus decided in the meeting today that instead of letting them off with a warning we should crack down on them and impose a hefty penalty. The consumers will also not be spared,” said a councilor after the CCP meeting on Friday evening.
As per the earlier decision, the ban focuses on plastic carry bags as well as plastic cups. Pet bottles and other plastic material and thermocol will be taken up at a later stage.
CCP also discussed the International Film Festival of India. “All councilors boycotted IFFI for the reason that CCP was sidelined this year. Except Mayor and Deputy Mayor no other councilor got a pass for IFFI. There was also no dinner invitation,” Chopdekar said.
CCP recovered Rs 22 lakh from IFFI organisers as fees towards signages and advertisements.
