Throw plastic, pay Rs 5000 or use jute bags
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 20 July 2012 21:23 IST
Following its decision to phase out plastic in the next three years, the Goa government has also agreed to introduce biodegradable plastic bags as well as jute bags.
A resolution in this regard was moved by Curtorim Congress MLA Alex Reginald Lourenco, while proposing government subsidy to prepare such bags.
Environment minister Alina Saldanha immediately agreed to analyse the feasibility in this regard, while replying to the resolution today in the state Assembly.
She also considered the suggestion of involving women’s self-help groups to involve in preparing such bags.
The process would start as soon as monsoons are over, she said.
Fatorda independent MLA Vijay Sardesai suggested to the government to study Sikkim model where the whole state has been made plastic-free.
Chief minister Manohar Parrikar however said the best solution for this is paper bags made out of newspapers and each one using cloth bags for marketing.
Taking this opportunity, Saldanha said the state would amend the non-biodegradable garbage control act with a penalty and throwing plastic in open a cognizable offence.
The punishment would be one month imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5000.
For every subsequent offence by the same person, the penalty would be doubled, she informed.
One month imprisonment and fine of Rs.5000/- will be too much for simple folks who do not know about any rules and regulations.
The best is to impose total ban on non-biodegradable use of plastic bags.
The idea to involve women's self help groups in making cloth/paper/jute or biodegradable bags is commendable.