PANJIM: Two years after enacting a law to ban single-use plastic in the State, the Goa government on Wednesday took the first step towards stoppage of the use of disposable plastic in the State. To begin with, all government departments, autonomous bodies, corporations and local authorities have been directed to make “every effort” to curb the use of single-use plastic in its day-to-day functioning.
“The Government of Goa taking into consideration the public and likely effect on environment of the State, is of the view that strict reduction in use of avoidable plastics is necessary. And this initiative should begin from the various state government departments,” Environment Director Dasharath Redkar said in the circular.
“It is expedient and in public interest, the government issues directions to ban and curb the single-use plastic in the State,” he said, directing departments, district level authorities and local bodies to take measures to ensure use of single-use plastic is stopped forthwith.
The department has banned use of all types of plastic carry bags, plastic or thermocol disposable cutlery, etc. The offices are asked to discourage the use of plastic products like flowers, banners, flags, flower pots, water bottles, plastic folders, trays, etc.
Earlier, from October 2, 2019, the government had directed its departments to discontinue with single-use plastic water bottles, glasses, plates, etc and to use items or equipment which are eco-friendly and re-usable to provide water and other items in the offices, meetings and functions.
The fresh directions have been issued after Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) drew the attention of States to single-use of short life PVC flex boards or posters being indiscriminately used in government institutions and offices for short-term advertisements and other purposes and its serious hazards to human health and environment.
“Whereas such banners or posters contain poly vinyl chloride (PVC) a plastic polymer which is non-biodegradable material and when burned releases toxic fumes such as dioxins, furans, etc,” states the directive further.
The State has said the public sector enterprises should be encouraged to promote curbing single-use plastic products.
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.
