Overview

• The Goa Legislative Assembly unanimously approved the 2025 amendment to the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act on August 5, updating the framework first enacted in 1996.
• New definitions for bulk waste generators, waste collectors and materials recovery facilities expand the schedule to cover multilayer plastics, tetra packs, jute and other non-biodegradable materials.
• Serious violations carry fines up to Rs 3 lakh and possible imprisonment, while repeat residential offenders face fines up to Rs 5,000 and commercial entities up to Rs 1 lakh.
• Police officers will be empowered to impound vehicles used for illegal dumping and suspend or revoke driving licences for repeat offenders.
• The amendment imposes no additional cost to the state and aims to bolster enforcement to protect public spaces, drains and water bodies.