Smoke, spit, urinate under cover
21 September 1999 17:52 IST It's not only in Rome you have to do as Romans do. Even in Goa, from the auspicious day of Gandhi Jayanti now, you have to do as Goans do. Otherwise find yourself behind the bars….
Goa is no more a place where you can spit anywhere you like, smoke anywhere you feel like or unzip yourself and urinate by parking your vehicle on roadside. Be careful even when you dispose off the plastic bags, containers or any other plastic products you are carrying.
Chief minister Luizinho Faleiro appears determined to implement three legislations in one shot, that too from 2 October – the auspicious day to remember Father of the Nation. Incidentally, the tourist season also begins here at the same time.
The Goa Health Act, 1996 which bans urinating in public places, the Goa Prohibition of Smoking and Spitting Act 1997 which bans tobacco consumption and spitting in public places and the Goa Disposal of Non-biodegradable Act 1999 which bans throwing plastic in public places are coming in force, paying tribute to Gandhiji in an unique manner.
"But I don't want to make it a police raj while implementing these acts", says Faleiro. While building public awareness about it, he is planning to empower the local panchayats, NGOs and even school headmasters to monitor its implementation as public inspectors and public prosecutors.
Except the act regarding smoking and spitting, rest of the two acts do not have such provisions. "I will get an ordinance promulgated in this regard to appoint public inspectors", informs Faleiro, while planning to amend both the acts in the winter Assembly session.
To make the whole state environment-friendly and eco-conscious, Faleiro has even announced his plans to ban use of plastic bags and introduce two compulsory subjects in the schools – environment and traffic safety.
