Goa govt bans single-use plastic in its offices from Oct 2

Under cover: Clockwise from top left, plastic waste clogging the Uppalam canal; toys, eatables packed in single-use plastics on display in market areas; customers carrying goods packed in plastic bags on J.N. Street and garbage dumped in front of a board erected by civic authorities against pollution. S.S. Kumar

The Goa government has imposed a ban on the usage of single-use plastic in its offices from October 2.

In a circular issued on September 25, Shripad Arlekar, under secretary of the general administration department, said, “The Government of Goa has decided to ban the usage of single-use plastic water bottles, glasses, plates, etc, in the government offices, canteens, meetings and functions from October 2, 2019 onwards.”

Stating that directive has been issued following approval from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Mr. Arlekar said the government wants to promote eco-friendly and re-usable items in the coastal state.

Last month, the Goa Legislative Assembly passed a bill banning manufacture, sale anduseofsingle-useplasticitems and carry bags, with a penalty ranging from ₹2,500 to ₹3 lakh for violators.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to people to shun single-use plastic.