Team Goemkarponn
Valpoi: The Thane Panchayat has resolved to make its jurisdiction a plastic-free zone, following a unanimous decision taken at the recently held Gram Sabha. The resolution will be implemented immediately, with the Panchayat distributing cloth bags to residents as the first step towards curbing single-use plastic.
Sarpanch Nilesh Parwar, Deputy Sarpanch Sonia Gaonkar, and Panch members Vinayak Gaon, Subhash Gawde, Anushka Gaonkar, Sarita Gaonkar, Suresh Aayak, and Tanaya Gaonkar, along with Panchayat Secretary Sarvesh Gaonkar, were present at the meeting.
Speaking on the occasion, Sarpanch Parwar stressed the urgency of the initiative, citing a recent incident in which 15 kg of plastic waste was found in the stomach of a cow in the area. “Plastic is extremely harmful to biodiversity and the environment. It is the need of the hour to make Thane plastic-free,” he said, appealing to citizens to fully support the campaign.
As part of the initiative, cloth bags were distributed to residents and students of Thane Government Secondary School. The Panchayat appealed to children to play an active role in promoting eco-friendly practices at home and in the community.
Panchayat Secretary Sarvesh Gaonkar said the campaign will be implemented in two phases. In the first phase, alternatives to plastic such as cloth bags are being promoted. In the second phase, a complete ban on plastic will be enforced, with strict penal action against shopkeepers found selling or using plastic bags.
The Panchayat has framed the initiative as part of the larger goals of Swachh Bharat, Nirmal Bharat and Green Goa.
