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Thursday, Jun 12, 2008
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Anti-plastic campaign losing momentum?

D. Radhakrishnan

— Photo: M. Sathyamoorthy

Say no: Environmental activists asking tourists not to use plastic carry bags in Ooty.

Udhagamandalam: Is the anti-plastic campaign in the Blue Mountains losing momentum? This question has been doing the rounds in the Nilgiris in general and Ooty in particular for some time now.

The main reason being that from being conspicuous by their absence for many years carry bags, cups and plates are now easily available. Green activists who monitored the situation on the plastic front during the summer of 2008 told The Hindu that the trend “is a source of concern”. Though awareness about the harm caused by the disposable plastic items to the environment was high among the tourists, they were forced to use them because they were easily available.

When the campaign was launched about seven years ago and subsequently a ban on the use of disposable plastic items imposed it was made clear to the local people and visitors that extensive damage had been caused to the environment. With the campaign having a salutary effect, the Nilgiris had become an example to other places. However, the reputation is beginning to take a beating, regretted environmentalists.

The Secretary, Public Awareness Association of Udhagamandalam, G. Janardhanan hoped that the authorities would deal with the matter with the seriousness it deserved.

The Secretary, Nilgiri Environment and Cultural Service Trust, V. Sivadas, said soon steps would be taken to enhance awareness about the need to declare war on plastics.

Official sources said the administration would not allow the menace to get out of hand.

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