Odisha imposes ban on single-use plastics in sanctuaries, national parks from April 1
As per the latest development, Odisha has banned the usage of single-use plastics inside eco-tourism tourist destinations, sanctuaries and more. If reports are to go by, the Odisha Forest Department has implemented a stringent measure to safeguard the ecological sanctity of its sanctuaries, national parks, and tiger reserves. In an official statement on Monday, Odisha's Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Susanta Nanda, declared a complete ban on the entry of visitors with single-use plastic into these conservation areas.
Reportedly, this would come into effect from April 1, 2024. The directive explicitly states, "Entry of single-use plastic shall be prohibited inside sanctuaries/national park/tiger reserves of the state with effect from April 1, 2024."
To accommodate the needs of tourists, authorities have been instructed to establish alternative arrangements for providing drinking water facilities at various locations within the sanctuaries, parks, or tiger reserves. Additionally, visitors can obtain refundable plastic water bottles at entry points, ensuring both convenience and compliance with the new regulation.
