The Hindu : Front Page : Coastal villages to be declared as “no plastic zone’

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jul 08, 2009
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Front Page

Front Page

Coastal villages to be declared as “no plastic zone’

C. Jaishankar

RAMANATHAPURAM: Action will be taken soon to declare coastal villages along Gulf of Mannar, Rameswaram Island and 21 nearby islands as “no plastic zone,” said Aruna Basu Sarcar, Chief Conservator of Forests and Director, Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust (GOMBRT).

Speaking to this newspaper after assuming office as new Director of GOMBRT, she said that the initiative was important for protecting the environment and ecology of Gulf of Mannar.

As a first step, all coastal villages of Ramanathapuram and Tuticorin districts, where Eco Development Committees (EDC) were formed, had been asked to shun plastic bags and other related products.

The EDC members had been asked not to encourage entry of plastic bags in their villages. All the departments would be sensitised on the need to do away with plastic.Ms. Sarcar, who is the first Indian Forest Service officer in Tamil Nadu, said that 1,000 dust bins would be placed in different parts of Rameswaram and coastal villages on behalf of GOMBRT.

Since a huge sum had been spent for creating awareness of preserving the ecology of Gulf of Mannar through street plays and other art forms in the last few years, from now importance would be given for implementing livelihood initiatives, health and welfare programmes. A tele tower would be erected in one of the strategic islands to enhance vigil.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page