Coastal villages to be declared as “no plastic zone’

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.

The Hindu, July 8