Panaji: The state environment department has directed the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), collectors, panchayats, and police to ensure Narkasur effigies do not use or burn plastic and other non-biodegradable materials, preventing air pollution. Following a reminder from the department to govt departments, the directorate of panchayats has also directed all block development officers to ask village panchayats to reduce the use of single-use plastics.“The department of environment and climate change has already issued directions under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, prohibiting the use and burning of plastic, rubber, thermocol, synthetic fabrics and other hazardous non-biodegradable materials in Narkasure effigies. The GSPCB has also reiterated that violations are punishable under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act,” the department said in a recent order.The department also referred to an earlier order calling for a crackdown on the indiscriminate use of single-use or short-life PVC flex boards and posters in govt institutions and offices for short-term advertisements and other purposes. It described their use as a serious hazard to human health and the environment.“The banners or posters contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plastic polymer, which is a non-biodegradable material and, when burnt, releases toxic fumes such as dioxins, furans, etc. This is found in a range of products, from children’s toys to building materials to food packaging. These harmful toxins may accumulate in the food chain of the ecosystem, causing a serious hazard to human health and environment,” the order stated.The department said strict reduction of avoidable plastic use was necessary, considering its likely impact on the public and the environment in the state.“This initiative should begin with the state govt departments,” it had said, following which directions were issued to all govt departments and corporations to make every effort to curb the use of single-use plastic and disposable items, including thermocol, disposable cutlery, PET water bottles, plastic folders and trays, wherever alternatives are available.
