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.
