In an attempt to save the scenic tourist spots in the agency from plastic pollution, the Integrated Tribal Development Authority (ITDA) Paderu has started taking steps to control its usage. As the first step, the ITDA is going to implement a ban on several plastic items from January 1 at Araku, a major tourist destination.
Paderu ITDA Project Officer (PO) DK Balaji said polythene bags and plastic glasses would be banned in Araku for which an awareness campaign had been held in the last two days. “We have been conducting meetings with the shopkeepers and a few other stakeholders in Araku. The ITDA has discussed the plan to save the tourist spot to which they also sounded positive,” Mr. Balaji told The Hindu.
He said the ITDA would impose fine if any shopkeeper was found using the banned items and “We may even close the particular shop for one day”. “Initially we would start our campaign at Araku and then in other tourist spots,” Mr. Balaji added.
Many tourist spots like Araku, Chaparai, Ananthagiri, Lambasingi have of late turned an eyesore with several tourists leaving food and plastic waste everywhere.
The majority of tourists, especially youngsters, organise late night parties as the temperatures drop. Leftover food, broken liquor bottles, plastic glasses and cups are a common sight in agricultural fields.