With thousands of people from various parts of the country and abroad flocking to The Nilgiris to enjoy the season which is on the verge of entering its peak period, the district administration has stepped up vigil on the environment front with focus on keeping plastics out.
In tune with this, a mobile campaign by a cultural troupe from Tirunelveli facilitated by the Department of Environment was flagged off by The Nilgiris Collector P. Sankar at the Collectorate here on Monday.
Awareness
Official sources told The Hindu that members of the troupe would visit various parts of the Nilgiris including scenic places like the Ooty Lake and create awareness through street performances about the ill-effects of plastics.
The sources added that vehicle checks have also been intensified at places like Burliar on the Mettupalayam - Ooty national highway to prevent tourists from bringing banned plastic items like bags, cups and plates into the district.
Stiff fines are being imposed on persons violating the ban. The efforts of the district and civic authorities are being supplemented by volunteers representing various non-governmental organisations.
The executive committee member of the Nilgiri Wildlife and Environment Association, K. Vijay, said that a campaign set in motion on February 8 with the help of the district administration has yielded good results.
Pointing out that about 30 volunteers have been organising awareness programmes in district borders like Burliar, Kunjapanai and Kakkanullah, he said that nearly 1.4 tonnes of banned plastic items have been seized from tourists and locals so far.
Fine
About Rs. 22,000 has been collected as fine by the officials accompanying the volunteers.
Pointing out that around 5000 eco-friendly bags have been distributed till now, he said that soon sign boards would be erected at 17 places.
