The Hindu 23.04.2013
Plastic bags below 40 microns banned from today in Goa
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) on Monday issued a public notice seeking strict compliance with the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011.
In its advisory for the public, the GSPCB said the first step towards this initiative would be to ensure that no plastic bag (which includes grocery bag/pp bag/HDPE bag, etc.) below the specified thickness of 40 microns is distributed/sold/dispensed anywhere in Goa.
With effect from Tuesday, on the occasion of Earth Day, each plastic bag will have the name, registration number of the manufacturer and thickness printed on it.
Wholesalers and retailers have been advised to ensure that all plastic bags stocked, distributed or sold by them are properly labelled. If any non-labelled bag is found in their possession, the goods will be confiscated and the stockists/retailers would be liable for punishment under the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1996 (as amended till 2000) such as imprisonment for a term of up to one month or a fine of up to Rs. 5,000, or both, said State Pollution Control Board directive.
“Every customer should also ensure that the plastic bag carried by them is duly labelled as above, or the same is liable to be confiscated under the Act and appropriate penal action would follow,” said the notice.
Local bodies have been directed to ensure regular inspection from Tuesday within their jurisdiction to ensure that the rules are strictly complied with, said the advisory issued by the member secretary of the board and the member secretary, Monitoring-cum-Working Committee for Solid Waste Management.
