In response to O Heraldo’s report highlighting the rampant violation of the single-use plastic ban across Goa, the Directorate of Panchayats has issued a directive to all Block Development Officers (BDOs) to ensure that village panchayats urgently convene meetings of their Garbage Management Committees to discuss implementation of the ban order.
In a circular issued by Siddhi Halarnakar, Director of Panchayats, it has been stated: “All the Block Development Officers are directed to direct all the village panchayats under their jurisdiction to urgently convene a meeting of the Garbage Management Committee to discuss the implementation of the ban Order on Single Use Plastic (SUP).”
The move follows O Heraldo’s detailed exposé on how plastic bags and waste continue to litter roadsides, beaches and water bodies, revealing a stark gap between official policy and enforcement on the ground. Although Goa was one of the early states to impose a ban on plastic bags below 40 microns, the regulation has remained largely ineffective in practice.
Despite repeated assurances from ministers and local representatives, enforcement has been weak. Plastic carry bags remain widely distributed, particularly in busy areas such as the CCP Market in Panjim.
At a World Environment Day function, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant acknowledged the failure to enforce the single-use plastic ban effectively. He, however, assured the public that stricter implementation would follow this year.