Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has prohibited the entry of single-use plastic inside the sanctuaries and national parks from April 1.
The PCCF (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden Susanta Nanda on Monday made this announcement by issuing an order on the ban of single-use plastics in protected areas and eco-tourism sites.
Going by the order, the tourists will be provided alternate drinking water facilities at different locations. Refundable water bottles may be provided to them at the entry points if they desire so.
Visitors are also advised to carry food items in plastic wraps and dispose of the wraps in designated dust bins only.
“Visitors carrying food items in plastic wraps shall be advised to dispose of the wraps in designated places/garbage bins etc and not to litter the protected areas,” read the statement.
“All the plastic garbage generated from visitors sources/camps/nature camps and other places incised the protected areas shall be disposed of in accordance with the existing guidelines and local panchayats/urban bodies may be consulted in this respect”, the notification further read.
The PCCF has warned of stringent action against the violators of the guidelines.
“For violation of the instructions would invite arrest and jail term along with fines,” read the statement issued by PCCF.
