Mapusa, Sep 29 (TOI): With an aim to implement the ‘plastic-free’ campaign in the town from October 2, Mapusa municipality has decided to distribute cloth bags to all households and vendors under it.

This decision was taken during a special meeting of the Mapusa Municipal Council held on Friday.

The municipal council also decided to impose a fine of Rs 5,000 if any vendor in the Mapusa market was found selling plastic bags.

During the meeting, chairperson Ryan Braganza informed the councillors that the civic body intends to source the cotton bags through CSR funding.

An estimate of around Rs 11-12 lakh has been prepared, Braganza said.

Two bags costing Rs 60 will be given to every household, while the vendors will get it free-of-cost, the chairperson said.

In order to create awareness about the use of cloth bags, councillor Tushar Tople suggested that notices could be put up at the vegetable and fish markets.

Councillor Sandeep Falari pointed out that the cloth bags could not be used for carrying fish and meat products, and said that people would have to buy separate bags for the same. “We should implement cost-effective products rather than burdening the citizens,” Falari suggested.

Councillors also suggested that the implementation of plastic-free campaign could be done in a phased manner and urged the chairperson not to rush with it.

Braganza said that religious institutions could take the initiative to sponsor some cloth bags.