The Nilgiri Wildlife and Environment Association (NWEA) on Sunday set in motion a campaign to combat plastics menace in this holiday destination.
With the help of about 25 volunteers the association enhanced awareness about the threat to the ecology of The Nilgiris posed by plastics among the tourists, and local residents passing through Burliar on the Mettupalayam-Ooty national highway.
Hundreds of vehicles were stopped and banned plastic items like carry bags replaced with eco-friendly bags, said the association’s executive committee member, K. Vijay. The response to the initiative among the tourists was very good, he told The Hindu . Many of the local motorists were reluctant to extend their cooperation. He regretted that instead of encouraging the volunteers they were mocking at them.
Stating that it would not dissuade the association from continuing with the campaign, he said that it would be intensified. Every weekend the volunteers would gather in different parts of the district and educate visitors and residents.
Local vehicle users were not very cooperative
