Goa government bans single-use plastic in all government offices

In a decision to support eco-friendly materials, the Goa government has banned single-use plastic in government offices. The ban will be applicable in all the government offices from October 2. A circular about the same was issued on September 25.  

Shripad Arlekar, under secretary of the general administration department, said, "The Government of Goa has decided to ban the usage of single-use plastic water bottles, glasses, plates, etc, in the government offices, canteens, meetings and functions from October 2, 2019, onwards." 

According to Arlekar, a directive was issued following the approval from Goa Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant. By banning single-use plastic. The government wants to promote environmental-friendly and re-usable items in the coastal state. 

Earlier last month, the Goa Legislative Assembly had passed a bill banning the manufacture, sale and usage of single-use plastic items and carry bags. A penalty was imposed starting from Rs 2,500 to Rs 3 lakh for violators. 

READ | UN Chief Guterres praises India's decision to ban single-use plastic

PM Modi urges citizens to boycott single-use plastic

During his rally from the Red Fort on August 15, on the occasion of Independence Day, PM Modi had urged the citizens to cut out single-use plastic completely. "Can we free India from single-use plastic? The time for implementing such an idea has come. May teams be mobilised to work in this direction. Let a significant step be made on October 2," PM Modi appealed while addressing the nation on the Independence Day.

READ | PM Modi goes to war against single-use plastics, makes strong appeal

While addressing a ceremony to inaugurate the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh on September 11, PM Modi had observed species like fish living in lakes, ponds and rivers were at high risk after consuming plastic. He used an example to drive home the necessity to get rid of single-use plastic. He emphasised that Indians had to try and eliminate single-use plastic from their homes, offices, and workplaces. PM Modi appealed to self-help groups, the civil society, social organizations, youth associations, women advocacy groups, clubs, schools and colleges, government and private sector organizations to join this initiative.

PM Modi's initiative to ban single-use plastic in India was also praised by the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres. The government's move was also looked at as an initial effort that goes beyond mere talks of climate change.  

READ | Maharashtra elections on October 21, EC pushes for an anti-plastic move

READ | Andhra Pradesh: CM Jagan proposes green tax, ban on single-use plastic