BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government on Monday announced a blanket ban on single-use plastics inside protected areas including sanctuaries, national parks and tiger reserves with effect from April 1.
Besides, use of single-use plastics by visitors at Eco-Tour sites and nature camps will also be prohibited. Violation of the instructions issued under section 33(C) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 may even invite arrest and jail term along with fines.
Principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF-wildlife) Susanta Nanda said the guidelines have been framed to safeguard the forest habitats from the hazards of single-use plastic and ensure that visitors and public at large are not put to inconvenience.
As per the guidelines, alternate facilities for drinking water will be provided for tourists at different places inside protected areas involving local eco-development committees or self-help group (SHG) members. In nature camps, visitors will be provided with water bottles made of steel/metal or materials other than plastic along with provision of water dispensers.
Visitors carrying food items in plastic wraps will be advised to dispose of the wraps in designated places and garbage bins and not litter the protected areas. All plastic garbage generated from visitor sources, nature camps and other places inside the protected areas will be disposed of in accordance with the existing guidelines.
The Forest department has also planned installation of solid waste disposal facilities at nature camps. If required, forest officials will consult local panchayat or urban local bodies (ULBs) concerned for disposal of the plastic garbage generated after use of food wraps.
Nanda said the department has also planned for provision of refundable plastic water bottles at the entry points of the protected areas (PAs). Visitors carrying such bottles inside the PAs will be charged `200 which will be refunded after the bottle is produced at the entrance.
Villagers residing inside sanctuaries will also be sensitised that the decision has been taken in the interest of their habitat and they should come forward in assisting the department in putting a full stop to use of the banned items and products. The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) and district administrations will be approached for strict enforcement of the ban, Nanda added.