Bhubaneswar: With an aim to ensure a plastic-free environment for wildlife, the State Government has imposed a ban on use of plastics in the premises of national parks, tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries of the State from 1 April.
The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden, Susanta Nanda has issued an order in this regard on Monday.
PCCF Wildlife, Shri Nanda is known for nature care and a no-nonsense mandarin, so acting tough he has issued marching orders in this regard.
“In exercise of power conferred U/S 33(C) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act,1972, it is hereby ordered that, entry of single-use plastic shall be prohibited inside Sanctuaries/ National Park/Tiger Reserves of the State with effect from 1st April, 2024,” read the order issued by the PCCF Wildlife Shri Nanda.
A Nature Lover, Shri Nanda posted a video in his X in which it was seen a Royal Bengal Tiger was lifting a plastic bottle from the forest stream and threw it in front of a videographer, delivering the message “Loud & Clear”, which was appreciated by all.
As plastic water bottles will also be banned, alternate drinking water facilities will be provided for the tourists at different places inside the protected areas and refundable plastic water bottles may be provided for them at the entry points if they so desire, he said.
Visitors carrying food items in plastic wraps will have to dispose of the wraps in designated places /garbage bins etc and not litter the protected areas.
As per the order, all the plastic garbage generated from visitors sources /camps/nature camps and other places inside the protected areas will be disposed of in accordance with existing guidelines and local Panchayats/ Urban Bodies in this respect.
Following the notification, PCCF Wildlife Shri Nanda has written a letter to all Regional Chief Conservator of Forests, Divisional Forest Officers (T/WL) Deputy Director, STR, North, South & Nandankanan.
The PCCCF said entry of single use plastics has been prohibited in all the protected areas in the State and at the same time use of single use plastics is banned at Eco Tour sites from April 1, 2024.
“While this was necessitated for protecting habitats of the last mile of our State, it is reiterated that the public at large should not be put to inconvenience,” he said.
Wide publicity is to be given to facilitate tourists to the PAs and Eco Tour Camps that single use plastics are banned from 01.04.2024, he instructed.
For violation of the instructions issued vide order under 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, he pointed out.
Sufficient alternatives will be provided at the entry gate with help of SHGs and EDCs to the tourist for purchase after depositing the single use plastics and Styrofoam.
The field level officer asked to sensitize villagers residing inside the sanctuary that this is in the interest of their habitat and they should come forward to assist the Department and stop using the banned items.
Resorts and eateries, even in the eco-sensitive areas, would be informed not to use the banned items, which may enter into the habitat of the PAs.
Help of the Odisha State Pollution Department and the District Administration are to be taken to enforce this ban from 1 April, 2024, PCCF Wildlife added.