State to go plastic-free

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Bhubaneswar: Expressing serious concern over the impact of plastic on environment, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Tuesday announced that Odisha would be made plastic-free in two years.
The Chief Minister made the announcement while giving an awareness message on environment protection during ‘Aama Mukhyamantri, Aama Katha’ (Our CM our talk) programme in the Secretariat here.
Plastic is harmful for the environment and for the future of our children and civilization. Taking this into account, the government has decided to permanently ban plastic from Odisha, he said.
In the first phase, use of plastic will be banned in all municipal corporations and Puri town from October 2, the CM said, adding the environmentally hazardous item will be completely banned throughout the state in next two years. The state has five municipal corporations- Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Sambalpur and Rourkela.
The government is going to impose ban on use of plastic bags, polythene and single use plastic items in the entire state. While the housing and urban development (H&UD) department has been asked to implement the decision in urban areas, Panchayati Raj department will enforce the ban in rural areas. Forest and environment department has been assigned to monitor the measure throughout the state.
“Trees are inseparably connected with our culture. All of you know about the significance of trees in the world we live in. Therefore, in this rainy season everyone should plant a tree and nurture it as they take care of their families,” the Chief Minister advised people.
“Existence of trees will ensure a good environment. We as well as our families will remain healthy in a good environment and will be able to contribute to the wellbeing of society at large,” he pointed out.
The Chief Minister thanked people for their cooperation in gradual increase of forest area in the state over recent years which has gone above the national average. He exhorted people to cooperate in making Odisha a plastic free state.
Use of plastic was banned in Maharashtra in June this year while Uttar Pradesh had announced to impose a ban on the same from July 15.