Panaji, Sep 26 (IANS): The Goa government will ban single-use plastic items, including water bottles, plates and cups from being used in government functions, offices and canteens from Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, according to a circular issued on Thursday.

The circular issued by the Goa government's General Administration department, also urged respective heads of departments to use eco-friendly articles to replace rampant usage of single-use plastic items in government premises.

"The Government of Goa has decided to ban usage of single-use plastic water bottles, plates in government offices, meetings and functions with effect from October 2. All the offices are hereby directed to discontinue use of single-use plastic water bottles, glasses/plates, etc. and to use items/equipment which are eco-friendly and re-usable to provide water and other items in the offices/meetings and functions," the circular signed by under secretary (General Administration) Shripad Arlekar said.

"It is further directed that single-use plastic water bottles, glasses, plates shall be also not be used in department canteens," the order said.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has repeatedly expressed concern over the perils of single-use plastic, which he said was causing harm to the environment.