Bhubaneswar: In order to save environment from plastic pollution, State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), Odisha in association with a leading NGO is undertaking Plastic Free Picnic Challenge’ campaign at large number of picnic spots in the State.
Member Secretary Dr. K. Murugesan has sought cooperation of every individual to make the campaign successful.
The State Pollution Control Board along with Youth4Water, an NGO, has started undertaking a campaign ‘Plastic Free Picnic Challenge’ with an objective to make the picnic spots free from littering of plastic and other materials.
As winter sets in marking the beginning of picnic season, SPCB along with Youth4Water have launched massive drive to make picnic spots across the state plastic-free
The Program is implemented through creating public awareness and other allied activities by engaging local volunteers, NGOs, Eco Clubs, self-help groups (SHGs), and Gram Panchayats.
The State has identified several picnic spots across Odisha, where campaign is being undertaken. The Government is trying to restrict use of single use plastics in the identified picnic spots. It has also put-up an advisory of Dos and Don’ts for strict adherence.
“All citizens are requested to follow the restriction and the advisory to maintain the cleanliness of the surroundings and maintain an enjoyable environment,” Dr.Murugesan urged.
The State Government had imposed a ban on the manufacture, sell, import, storing, carrying, transportation and distribution of the single-use plastics in all urban local bodies of the state on October 2, 2019. Later, it was extended to all parts of the State.
However, people continue to use plastic in large amounts for transportation of small amounts of goods. Therefore, the campaign was launched to raise awareness among the visitors.
Focus is being laid on picnic spots near sea beaches where single-use plastics pose a major threat to marine ecology.
While local authorities are extending support to have a system in place for the immediate lifting of garbage generated at the picnic spots and impose restrictions on the use of single-use plastic items, people are being sensitized on the need to be responsible visitors, officials say.