Berhampur: Use of polythene and plastic carry bags has been banned in and around Tara Tarini, a famous shakti shrine and tourist destination, in Ganjam district.
This was decided at the coordination committee meeting for the ensuing Chaitra Mela at Chhatrapur. The meeting was chaired by revenue divisional commissioner (southern division) S N Deb.
"The ban will be implemented from Chaitra Mela, beginning on March 10," Ganjam district collector P.C. Choudhary said.
All shops in the area will be asked to strictly follow the order. Last year, the administration banned polythene and liquor during the festival.
Campaigners and environmentalists have welcomed the decision. "Massive awareness is needed before implementing the decision," secretary of Tara Tarini Development Board Pramod Kumar Panda said.
Lakhs of devotees from the state and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh get their children tonsured at the shrine, 35 km from here, during the festival.
The administration has directed officials concerned to ensure supply of electricity and water, maintain sanitation and set up temporary health camps before the start of the festival.