PANAJI: Retail stores and vendors caught selling and distributing plastic carry bags within the city will be penalised with a fine of Rs 5,000.
Ajit Roy, commissioner, Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) said that the decision was taken at a CCP council meeting held on November 30. The ban on plastic carry bags is in force and from December 1, the corporation has taken a decision on the quantum of fine to be levied if a violator is identified.
Roy said, “They have decided that for a first-time violator, the fine amount will be Rs 5,000 and for the second offence the fine amount will be Rs 10,000. This will be effective immediately.”
Roy further said that earlier in a council meeting held a few months ago, the corporation had decided not to allow the use or sale of plastic carry bags within CCP’s jurisdiction. Only those bags which are certified as safe will be considered free of plastic.
He clarified that the ban and the fine were applicable to vendors selling plastic bags. Some council members also suggested that a fine of a lesser quantum should be imposed on citizens found using plastic carry bags.