Following the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the 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 comes after an increase in the number of plastic pollutants in the wildlife sanctuaries and the state.
To discourage the usage of plastic water bottles, the most common pollutant, alternate drinking water facilities will be provided at different places inside the protected areas.
Refundable water bottles will also be available.
The PCCF advised visitors carrying food in plastic wraps to utilize garbage bins, which will be placed throughout the place, in close proximity.
“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 per existing guidelines and local panchayats/urban bodies may be consulted in this respect, it said.
Violations of the order would invite arrest and jail term along with fines.
