As per the latest development, Odisha has banned the usage of single-use plastics inside eco-tourism tourist destinations, sanctuaries and more. If reports are to go by, the Odisha Forest Department has implemented a stringent measure to safeguard the ecological sanctity of its sanctuaries, national parks, and tiger reserves. In an official statement on Monday, Odisha’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Susanta Nanda, declared a complete ban on the entry of visitors with single-use plastic into these conservation areas.
Reportedly, this would come into effect from April 1, 2024. The directive explicitly states, “Entry of single-use plastic shall be prohibited inside sanctuaries/national park/tiger reserves of the state with effect from April 1, 2024.”
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This proactive step aims to curtail the environmental impact of single-use plastic and protect the diverse flora and fauna residing within these vital ecosystems.
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To accommodate the needs of tourists, authorities have been instructed to establish alternative arrangements for providing drinking water facilities at various locations within the sanctuaries, parks, or tiger reserves. Additionally, visitors can obtain refundable plastic water bottles at entry points, ensuring both convenience and compliance with the new regulation.
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The order goes beyond restricting single-use plastic entry and extends to proper waste disposal practices. Visitors carrying food items wrapped in plastic will be required to dispose of the packaging in designated areas or garbage bins to prevent littering within the protected areas. The directive stresses the importance of adhering to existing guidelines for disposing of plastic waste generated by visitors, camps, and nature camps inside these protected areas.
The involvement of local panchayats or urban bodies is encouraged to ensure responsible waste management in accordance with established protocols.
By implementing these measures, the Odisha Forest Department not only addresses the urgent need to reduce single-use plastic but also underscores the importance of fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among visitors. This initiative aligns with global efforts to protect and preserve biodiversity, demonstrating Odisha’s commitment to sustainable conservation practices within its natural habitats.
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