NT NETWORK
PANAJI/PONDA
The Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP) has decided to wait and watch till the end of April as to how the traders comply with the directions to deal with use of plastic and enforcement of ban on plastic bags below 50 microns, stated Commissioner Ajit Roy.
The Commissioner said that the trade and occupation licence renewal is done only in April in the city and as such, CCP has linked renewal of licences with registration of sale and dispensation of plastic bags.
Speaking to ‘The Navhind Times,’ he stated that plastic ban was enforced in the state in July 2017 but we (CCP) are implementing it only after creating proper awareness in April 2018.
“We have created sufficient awareness among the traders about the ban on plastic by publishing advertisements in the newspapers, by sending notices, through hoardings, etc adding those who are in plastic business have to pay the annual fees of Rs 48,000 and register themselves with the CCP. There is no option for them,’’ he added.
He said the government wants to promote jute bags, cloth bags, paper bags and other bags made from biodegradable materials and eliminate plastics in the state, under the plastic waste management rule 2016.
The Corporation had through a notice circulated warned the shopkeepers and vendors that if they are found selling goods in plastic without getting themselves registered they could be penalised under Section 45 of the Environment (Protection) Act 1996, which mandates imprisonment for five years with fine extending upto Rs 1 lakh or both. In case of failure or contravention continues then additional fine of Rs 5,000 will be levied daily against the errant business establishments.
Additional Commissioner P Mirajkar said that the CCP was insisting on an undertaking from new
traders that they will not use plastic and if they are found contravening the law, they will be charged and penalised. He went on to add that those who have stock can exhaust it with the prior permission from CCP. He also said that people should help the government in its mission to protect environment.
Director of Food and Drugs Administration Jyoti Sardesai has said that printed papers which contain ink cannot be used to wrap food items, as it is banned under the law. There, however, is no such ban on plain paper being used to wrap food items, she added.
Meanwhile, in order to encourage people to use cotton bags over plastic bags, Ponda municipal council (PMC) has started distributing cotton bags to the residents. To mark the beginning of the distribution process, PMC chairperson Dr Radhika Naik handed over several cotton bags to residents following PMC’s special meeting on Monday. The PMC has purchased around 2,000 cotton bags from NSS department of GVM’s College, Farmagudi. These bags will be distributed in the entire town.