http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=013134
Plastic bags ban: MMC asks other panchayats to join NT News Service Vasco Jan 30: After the success achieved by the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) in its plastic carry bag ban which came into effect from January 26, within the jurisdiction of the council, the MMC today invited all the panchayats from Mormugao taluka to join the movement so that the entire taluka is free from the menace of plastic carry bags. The MMC chief officer, Mr Elvis Gomes, who is spearheading the movement, when contacted said, "People of the neighbouring panchayat areas have also hailed our action and that is why the MMC has decided to capitalise on the public sentiments which are strongly in favour of the MMC." Mr Gomes further stated that the MMC chairperson, Mr Sharad Chopdekar and all the councillors are actively involved in the movement and it is very essential to make the neighbouring villages to be a part of the movement. "Unless and until the panchayat bodies participate in the movement, it is very difficult to achieve 100 per cent success," observed Mr Gomes. He also informed that the MMC has requested all the sarpanchas to adopt resolutions to ban plastic bags in their jurisdiction. The MMC chief officer has also asked all the sarpanchas to assist the panchayats in whatever manner possible to ensure a garbage free Mormugao. The ban on plastic carry bags and PET bottles within the jurisdiction of MMC was notified in February 2004 due to the efforts of the chief officer, Mr Gomes during his earlier tenure but had remained unimplemented. However on his return as chief officer, Mr Gomes immediately set about completing the unfulfilled task of implementing the ban, which became a reality from January 26, this year. It is learnt that taking cue from the MMC, many local bodies in Goa are also willing to ban the plastic bags for environmental protection. -- Salaam ali kum. Gabe Menezes. London, England
