Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar Sets An Example For Goans, Goes Plastic Free And Cuts Down On His Waste Generation

New Delhi: It has been 15 days since Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has shunned all kinds of plastic items from his life. From refusing to take flowers wrapped in plastic foil to discouraging plastic cups/bottles in the functions he attends, Chief Minister Parrikar is setting an example for the citizens to imbibe the principles of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. He shared his personal efforts towards waste management at a Sewa Diwas function organised in Panaji which interestingly marked the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has been relentlessly asking state officials to personally get involved in Swachh campaign.

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In a bid to make Goa plastic free by 2020, a deadline set by the chief minister himself on India’s Independence Day, he has urged people to switch plastic cups, plates with the steel ones. He had said that though the state government has banned usage of plastic bags below 50 microns, the change will be visible only if the habits are changed.

Reduce your consumption. If someone offers me flowers wrapped in plastic, I will not take them. Someone came with flowers (at Sunday’s function), I said it should be returned…One flower is enough, no need for such bouquets and even if you get bouquets make sure there is no plastic wrapped around it. Reduce plastic. Start with yourself, Chief Minister Parrikar said at the event. He further added, I am unwilling to touch plastic. I have been practising for 15 days. I have asked the plastic bottles (served at the Sewa Diwas function) to be taken away.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the neglected issue of food waste and requested people to not overcook as the food preserved in fridges ultimately get dumped on trenching grounds.

Women should ensure that they should not cook food more than usual, which is then dumped in the refrigerator for 15 days after which it is dumped out… Most homes use a fridge as a cupboard. Fridge should be neat and clean, only to ensure there is no wastage, he said.
Giving his own example he said that since last 40 years he has made it a conscious effort to not leave any food on his plate, for 40 years now, I do not leave anything in the plate. The beginning of Swachh Bharat begins with my food plate. No garbage will be created, Mr Parrikar said, crediting his mother for the habit.

He also took an oath of dedicating atleast 100 hours in year to carry out activities related to Swachh Bharat campaign.

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With Inputs from PTI