Plastic ban in parks from Tuesday

Patna: Visitors to Patna zoo, Eco Park, and other parks in the city will not be allowed to take in plastic materials under 50 microns in thickness from Tuesday, the government has ordered.

The environment and forests department has issued a notification banning from June 5 the use of plastic below the specified thickness .

The notification states that the ban has been imposed under powers given to the department according to provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Principal chief conservator of forests D.K. Shukla told The Telegraph on Friday: “We have taken this step to make the parks free of the polythene menace which has become a major source of pollution. Polythene ban is already in place in national parks and sanctuaries in Bihar.”

The notification also points out how plastic waste has become a major issue for developed societies, and how it remains in the environment, affecting soil, water sources and rivers because of its non-biodegradable nature.

Open burning of plastic causes environmental pollution, the notification points out, whereas in case of being buried under the soil it affects soil fertility. Consumption of plastic by animals once polythene materials are thrown along with garbage affect their health, sometimes leading to their death.

Shukla said those carrying plastic items under 50 microns in thickness would not be allowed entry into Patna zoo, Eco Park and 70 other parks in Patna that are maintained by the environment and forests department.

He also clarified that the notification will be applicable across all parks maintained by the department across the state.

Sources said the department maintains at least 200 parks in Bihar.

Courtesy: The Telegraph