Panaji, Jan 5 (IANS): PVC-based plastic will be banned from May 30 and no plastic packaging will be allowed in the state from December, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said on Thursday.

Addressing a public function here, he also said that littering would be made a punishable offence in Goa.

"When I talk of plastic ban, I am talking about PVC based plastic. And from December 19, plastic packing will be banned. Let us make Goa free of plastic. This is a biggest problem anyone can face, whether it is animals or trees," he said, adding that if Goa is to be made plastic-free then, then it would need a crackdown on conventional plastic too and that the state government would be willing to spend a lot of money towards the cause.

Parrikar also said that both tourists and locals, needed to be deterred from littering and that the government was working towards making it a punishable offence.

"We are planning to punish those who litter. Littering wil not be permitted. You can enjoy Goa, but please do not litter it. This message will go to locals as well as tourists too. Let me assure that Goa will be free of any crime for tourists," he said.