Tag: environmental policy

Social

Goa CM Inaugurates “Mission Sarovar Punha Nirman” to Reimagine and Restore the State’s Lakes

Tanisha Cardozo

The Government of Goa has launched a major initiative to restore and reimagine the state’s precious water bodies through “Mission Sarovar Punha Nirman.” The Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, inaugurated a dedicated brainstorming session for this mission at the Panaji Gymkhana, Campal. Organized by the Department of Environment & Climate Change, the event marks a pivotal step toward sustainable water management in the region.

Bringing together leading experts, the session featured insights from Dr. Sharad P. Kale, Ex-Scientist at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), renowned for his contributions to environmental science and waste management. The session also saw participation from Shri Arun Kumar Mishra, IAS, Secretary (Environment); Dr. Levinson Martins, IAS, Chairman of the Goa State Pollution Control Board; Dr. Geeta Nagvenkar, Member Secretary, GSPCB; Shri Dyaneshwar Salekar, Chief Engineer at the Water Resources Department; and Shri Sachin Desai, Director of the Department of Environment & Climate Change.

The brainstorming session focused on practical frameworks and scientific approaches to rejuvenate lakes across the state, with the aim to promote ecological balance, sustainable development, and climate resilience. The presence of top environmental officials and scientists signals the government’s strong commitment to preserving Goa’s natural water heritage. The initiative also reflects broader climate adaptation goals and aligns with both local and national sustainability objectives.

“Mission Sarovar Punha Nirman” is expected to not only breathe new life into Goa’s neglected lakes but also act as a model for community-led, science-backed restoration efforts across India. The Government of Goa continues to take proactive steps in ensuring a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for generations to come.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Andhra Pradesh CM Announces Statewide Ban on Single-Use Plastic in 17 Cities from October 2

allycaralgoa

Amaravati, June 18, 2025 – In a decisive move towards environmental sustainability, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has announced a complete ban on single-use plastic across 17 major cities in the state, effective from October 2, 2025—marking the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and symbolizing a renewed commitment to Swachh Bharat and environmental responsibility.

The decision was unveiled during a high-level review meeting on urban development and solid waste management, where the Chief Minister emphasized the urgent need to combat plastic pollution and reduce its harmful impact on health, ecosystems, and marine life.

Cities Covered Under the Ban

The ban will be enforced in the following 17 municipal corporations and key urban centers:

  1. Visakhapatnam
  2. Vijayawada
  3. Guntur
  4. Nellore
  5. Kurnool
  6. Kadapa
  7. Rajahmundry
  8. Kakinada
  9. Tirupati
  10. Anantapur
  11. Ongole
  12. Eluru
  13. Srikakulam
  14. Vizianagaram
  15. Chittoor
  16. Machilipatnam
  17. Bhimavaram

These cities have been prioritized due to their high population density and significant plastic waste generation.

Scope of the Ban

The ban targets commonly used single-use plastic items, including:

  • Plastic carry bags (irrespective of thickness)
  • Plastic cutlery (spoons, forks, knives)
  • Straws and stirrers
  • Plastic plates, cups, and glasses
  • Wrapping films and sachets used for packaging
  • Thermocol (polystyrene) items

The government has also directed municipal bodies to coordinate with manufacturers, retailers, food vendors, and consumers to ensure smooth phasing out of plastic alternatives and promote eco-friendly substitutes like cloth bags, jute bags, paper packaging, and biodegradable products.

Implementation & Penalties

Dedicated enforcement teams will be deployed in each city to monitor compliance. Offenders may face:

  • Fines for possession and distribution of banned items
  • Seizure of goods
  • Cancellation of business licenses for repeated violations

To support the transition, awareness campaigns and training programs for vendors and citizens will be launched over the next few months.

Chief Minister’s Statement

“This is not just an environmental reform—this is a social mission,” said the Chief Minister. “Plastic is choking our drains, polluting our rivers, and damaging our soil. By banning single-use plastic, we are not only protecting our environment but also creating a sustainable future for the next generation. Andhra Pradesh will lead the way in green governance.”

Public Engagement and Alternatives

The state government will work with local NGOs, schools, RWAs (Resident Welfare Associations), and self-help groups to promote reusable products and foster a plastic-free culture through community drives and plastic collection campaigns. Bulk procurement and subsidized distribution of cloth bags are also on the agenda.

Conclusion:
As India strives towards its climate and sustainability goals, Andhra Pradesh’s bold step to ban single-use plastics in urban centers could serve as a model for other states. The state’s efforts to combine policy enforcement with citizen participation mark a significant milestone in India’s environmental journey.