Team Herald
PONDA: Considering the vast use of plastic bags during Matoli Bazaar and Ganesh Festival, Ponda Municipal Council (PMC) has decided to ban the use of plastic bags in the market this Chaturthi.
Chief Officer Navanath Naik said the municipality has decided to use cotton bags this Chaturthi to create awareness among the vendors on the ill-effects of plastic bags. Vendors using plastic below 50 microns will be fined Rs 100 for the first time which may extend upto Rs 5,000 if found violating the same again.
He said 15 municipal workers have been appointed to create awareness among the vendors who sell matoli items in Ponda during the three-day Matoli Bazaar.
He said three Ganesh Mandals celebrating the festival at three places in the town have assured not to use plastic bags and thermacol for Ganesh decoration.
He said 240 litre capacity dust bins will be provided to Ganesh mandals.
Stating that the plastic ban will be permanent, he said cotton bags by Mundra Pratishtan from Borim priced at Rs 10 per bag are available in the market at shops run by women self help groups.
