Collectors, DFOs told to ensure strict enforcement of plastic ban in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra today directed the officials to ensure strict enforcement of ban on single-use plastic in Odisha.

The Chief Secretary gave this direction while presiding over a meeting of the state-level task force on plastic ban through virtual mode.

He asked the district Collectors and Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) to ensure strict enforcement of the ban on single-use plastic after reviewing the measures introduced to deal with the plastic menace.

The Chief Secretary also asked the officials to take stern action against the manufacturers and sellers of single-use plastic in the state.

He directed the Collectors and DFOs to introduce concrete measures to check use of polythene bags, plastic glasses and other single-use plastic items at local markets, tourist spots and other public places under their respective jurisdictions. Moreover, the Collectors and DFOs were asked to submit monthly reports regarding the implementation of plastic ban order.

The meeting put emphasis on creation of awareness on the harmful impact of plastic on the environment. Besides, it was decided to include students, media persons, senior citizens, elected people’s representatives, Bar Association members, volunteers and members of social outfits in the campaign against plastic.

The Chief Secretary asked the Collectors to form special squads to intensify raids on the manufacturers and sellers of single-use plastic. He advocated for the use of plastic waste in cement production and road construction.

Additional Chief Secretary (Forest and Environment department) Satyabrata Sahu, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Supply Department Principal Secretary Ashok Kumar Meena, Housing and Urban Development department Principal Secretary G Mathivathanan and Director, Environment, Sushant Nanda among others participated in the meeting.