Bhubaneswar: Odisha government has banned the single-use plastics inside sanctuaries, national park/tiger reserves of the State with effect from April 1, 2024.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Chief Wildlife Warden Susanta Nanda has written to all regional chief conservator of forests, all divisional forest officers (T/WL), Dy. Director, STR, North/South/ Nanadankanan Zoo regarding the ban of the single-use plastics.
The PCCF advised the visitors carrying the plastic wraps to dispose of those at garbage bins.
“All the plastic garbage generated from visitor sources/camps/nature camps and other places inside the Protected Areas shall be disposed of in accordance with existing guidelines and local panchayats/urban bodies may be consulted in this respect,” an order stated.
For violation of the instructions would invite arrest and jail term along with fines, the PCCF warned.
The following guidelines are issued to implement the instruction:
- Wide publicity is to be given to facilities tourists to the Pas and Eco tour camps that single use plastics are banned from April 1, 2024. For violation of the instruction issued video order under the Section 33(C) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, all should be impressed upon that violating the same would invite arrest and jail term along with fines.
- Sufficient alternatives at the entry gate with help of SHGs may be provided to the tourists for purchase after depositing the single use plastics and styrofoams.
- The villagers residing inside the sanctuary should be sensitized that this is in the interest of their habits and they should come forward to assist the department and stop using the banned items.
- Resorts and eateries, even in the eco-sensitive areas may be informed not to use the banned items, which may enter into the habits of the PAs.
- Help of the Odisha State Pollution Department and the District Administration are to be taken to enforce this ban from 1st April, 2024.
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