PLASTIC BAN IN GOA

Is It Really Working?

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In July 2022, Goa joined the rest of India in banning single-use plastics such as straws, cutlery, and thin carry bags. The move was hailed as a landmark step towards sustainability. But three years later, as we step into 2025, the question remains - has the ban really worked? Walk through a Goan market and the answer is mixed. On one hand, supermarkets and bigger outlets have largely shifted to cloth, jute, and paper bags. Many cafés and restaurants now use biodegradable straws and containers. Even government offices and schools are pushing awareness drives. On the other hand, small roadside vendors and grocery shops often continue handing out the familiar crinkly plastic bag, especially in rural areas. Enforcement, while strict in the beginning, has gradually softened, and old habits die har