MAPUSA: The Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) has unanimously resolved to ban single-use plastic items such as straws and carry bags in its jurisdiction at a meeting held, on Wednesday.
In this connection the municipality would write to the schools, community halls, religious places, catering services and others informing them about this ban.
This decision was taken after the Prime Minister has called upon the nation to begin a campaign on banning single-use plastic.
MMC Chairman Ryan Braganza said that through Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) a letter was received to create awareness and take measures to ban single-use plastic.
Councilor Tushar Tople said that for the last five years there is movement going on to ban the use of plastic and enough of awareness has been carried out. The MMC has also given free bags as an alternative but now there was a need to be strict and take action in the matter.
Councilor Rajsingh Rane opined that a blanket ban should not be done as the council does not have enough municipal inspectors to monitor and overall or even take action against those using single-use plastic.
Counillors Sandip Falari and Sudhir Kandolkar suggested that earlier rexine bags were used instead of plastic.
