BHUBANESWAR: With an aim to reduce plastic pollution in Chilika lagoon, the
Chilika Development Authority (CDA) has launched a year-long campaign to make the largest Brackish water lake
plastic free.
The lake spread over in 1165 square kilometer area is affected by plastic pollution. “The plastic pollution, apart from causing health hazards have also gone into the food chain through microplastics in the various fish, crab and prawn present in the lake,” said CDA sources.
The main theme will be to refuse plastic materials which cannot be recycled and causes severe health hazards, to reduce the use of plastic which are essential without a substitute, but can be safely disposed of and reused plastic, which can be recycled after segregating with same.
The campaign will also thrust upon the decision of
Odisha State Pollution Control Board to ban plastic carry bags in and around Chilika made in 2004. Eco clubs, NSS volunteers, NGOs, members of Motor Boat Association and public at large will be roped in to restore Chilika to its pristine glory and make it plastic free, official sources said.
CDA also invited logo competition for its campaign which can have an impact on the stakeholders. The best Logo will be awarded with a cash prize. The Logo can be sent to chilika@chilika.com by July 6.