Only 3 of 6 firms participate in plastic deposit scheme tender
Panaji:
Only 50% of the total companies that showed interest in becoming the 'system operator' to implement govt's Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) for non-biodegradable materials, ultimately participated in the tender.
Six companies showed interest at the pre-bid meeting, but only three submitted their tender to become a system operator.
Keen on becoming the first state in the country to implement DRS, state govt has decided to appoint a system operator to implement the scheme. Under DRS, a non-biodegradable product is purchased in the state, the consumer must pay an additional fee for that product that will be refunded when the product's packaging is returned at a collection point.
This initiative aims to protect the environment, reduce the load on oceans and forest ecosystems, and result in cleaner beaches. The system operator will be responsible for setting up an efficient, consumer-friendly, and easy-to-access network of collection points.
Govt had floated an expression of interest to appoint a system operator to implement the DRS. The system operator will work on developing and implementing the DRS for an initial period of 10 years, which can be extended for an additional five years with mutual agreement, subject to successful implementation and objective fulfilment of the DRS.
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A 'DRS product' refers to non-biodegradable material specified in the Schedule of the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act. DRS products include multi-layered plastics used for packing commodities intended for sale in Goa.
Over 300 automated collection machines will be set up across the state for the collection of non-biodegradable material based on consumer and tourist footfall. A senior govt official said the system operator for the implementation of the DRS must establish at least these many automated collection machines across collection points.
'At least one automated collection machine must be set up in each panchayat area and class C urban local bodies (ULBs), and at least five in each class A and class B municipal area. Further, within one year from the commencement date, the system operator shall ensure that the number of automated machines is increased to at least 400, and within two years of the commencement date, to at least 500,' the official said.
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