Bicholim bans plastic bags

BICHOLIM\PANAJI: Bicholim Municipal Council (BMC) decided to implement the ban on plastic above 50 microns with immediate effect, but did not clamp down on single use material, giving traders time to comply with requirements.
“The ban on sale, stocking of plastic carry bags below 50 microns is with immediate effect, but we will send a notice to stakeholders to create more awareness,” BMC chief officer Vivek Naik said on Saturday.

The vendors, shopkeepers, traders and others in the municipal jurisdiction have been urged to comply with the rules.

The BMC official said the single use plastic will not be seized immediately. “But the traders and the public should cooperate in adhering to the rules,” Naik said.

BMC chairperson Satish Gaonkar said these measures will help curb pollution. “Carry bags above 50 microns will help reduce the quantum of single use plastic,” he said.

However, Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) officials were skeptical about the initiative, stating that unless there is a commitment to implement the ban, the decision may remain on paper.

BMC will levy a monthly fee of Rs 4,000 or an annual fee of Rs 48,000 will be charged for registration of shopkeepers, who wish to continue selling plastic carry bags above 50 microns.

In case of failure to comply, the traders will face a penalty of Rs 5,000 for the first office, Rs 10,000 for the second one and Rs 25,000 for the third instance.

“The vendors and commercial establishments should keep stocks of cloth bags to promote alternatives,” a BMC official said.