Odisha bans single-use plastics inside sanctuaries, national parks, tiger reserves

Visitors can no longer take single-use plastics inside sanctuaries, national parks, and tiger reserves across Odisha from April 1. The ban was announced by the Odisha government on Monday.

The office of the Principal CCF (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, in its order, stated 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. 

The tourists shall be provided alternate drinking water facilities at different locations and refundable water bottles may be provided to them at the entry points if they desire so, the order stated. 

“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. 

On the disposal of plastic garbage, the order says, “All the plastic garbage generated from visitors sources/camps/nature camps and other places incised the protected areas shall be disposed off in accordance with the existing guidelines and local panchayats/urban bodies may be consulted in this respect.”

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