No single-use plastic at wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha from April 1

Bhubaneswar: The single-use plastic will be prohibited at all wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha from next month.

The PCCF (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden Susanta Nanda issued an order banning single-use plastics in protected areas and eco-tourism sites.

As per the order, entry of single-use plastic shall be prohibited inside sanctuaries, national parks and tiger reserves of the state with effect from April 1, 2024.

For the convenience of tourists, 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.

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

“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,” an order stated.

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