Porvorim: Goa government on Thursday told the House that the law banning single use plastic in the State would be passed during the ongoing session of the legislative assembly.
State Environment minister Nilesh Cabral told the House, in a written reply, that the department of environment has proposed an amendment to Goa Non- Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, for banning single use of plastic.
“This has been vetted by the Law Department and would be placed before Legislative Assembly in this session,” the minister said responding to a question tabled by BJP MLA Nilkant Halarnkar.
Cabral said that the State government has in place the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act 1996.
“Department of Environment has notified the authority under Rule 11 of Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act 1996 empowering them to levy of fine under provision of the Act,” he said.
The minister said that as per information provided by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued direction for under section 5 for closure of un-authorized plastic bags manufacturing units.
“The GSPCB has also conveyed to local Authorities that as per provision of Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules 2016, shopkeepers and street vendors using plastic carry bags/multi layered bags etc are required to pay waste management fees of Rs.4,000 per month and only such shopkeepers and vendors who have paid fees can provide plastic bags for dispending commodities,” he added.
A welcome move. However, there are many things that needs to be done before implementing it including alternatives to be used and their availability. What happens to the existing products and the industries. How will they changeover so that employment is not destroyed overnight? A smooth transition is a must