In a bid to make the state ‘litter-free’, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said a new law will be enacted to make drinking in public places a punishable offence in the state.
Parrikar said that the proposed move would ensure that Goa would become free from the ‘litter’ of empty bottles which has been created by locals and tourists alike.
“Maybe give and take 15 days, end of this month or February, a new law will come into action which will make drinking alcohol in public a cognisable offense,” Parrikar said after inaugurating the Organic Waste Management Facility in the state capital.
On the occasion, he listed out the measures to be undertaken to make Goa garbage-free. Referring to the drinking in open places, the chief minister said the government would start taking action from February onwards against the violators (of law).
ALSO READ: How to be one up on flight delays due to fog – handy tips to save the day
“We have been clearing off the bottles from the public places. Don’t you have a home to drink? Or hotel to drink? And even if you drink at least take-back bottles,” he said.
The CM said one can enjoy in Goa, but littering will not be permitted by his government.
The Solid Waste Management Corporation has been actively handling the issue of garbage, Parrikar said, adding that the first phase to ban plastic in the coastal state would begin from January 26 onwards.
“From January 26 (2018) onwards, we will take a comprehensive action against the littering which will be implemented from May 30 onwards. Between May 30 to December 19, 2018, a new legislation would be enacted towards the cause,” he said.
“We will create facilities to treat garbage even at the panchayat level. We are ready to increase the grants to panchayat by 4-5 times but at the same time they should perform,” he said.
ALSO READ: Hidden Gems: Alila Fort in Bishangarh is the ideal vacation spot
Parrikar appealed that Goa is made plastic-free as “it is the biggest problem anyone can face”.
“I have extensively witnessed problems caused due to plastic. If we have to move towards garbage-free Goa then we will have to eradicate conventional plastic. We will involve the community into it (eradication),” he said.
Parrikar said those dumping the construction debris along roads will face a stringent action from January 26 onwards which include confiscation of their vehicles and heavy penalties.