Odisha Bans Single-Use Plastic In Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks From April 1

Bhubaneswar: Visitors will not be allowed to carry single-use plastic inside wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and tiger reserves in Odisha from next month with the state government announcing a ban on Monday.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden Susanta Nanda issued an order stating that the entry of single-use plastic shall be prohibited inside sanctuaries, national parks, and tiger reserves of the state with effect from April 1, 2024.

The order said that alternate drinking water facilities will be provided at different places inside the protected areas and refundable plastic water bottles may be provided at the entry points for the convenience of tourists.

The PCCF advised the visitors carrying the plastic wraps to dispose of those at garbage bins. “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 order.

All the plastic garbage generated from visitor sources/camps/nature camps and other places inside the Protected Areas shall be disposed of in accordance with existing guidelines and local panchayats/urban bodies may be consulted in this respect, it said.

Violation of the instructions would invite arrest and jail term along with fines, the PCCF warned.

The Principal CCF and Chief Wildlife Warden has issued this order while exercising the power conferred U/S 33 (C) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.