The Hindu 22.09.2014
Mysore palace declared ‘plastic-free’ zone
Authorities have begun cracking down on tourists
carrying plastics into the Mysore palace, as it has been declared as a
“plastic-free zone”.
All visitors to the palace are
being frisked for water bottles and plastic covers, which are
confiscated to ensure that the premises is free of plastic.
This is part of ongoing efforts to make places of tourist interest “plastic free”.
M.V.
Sudha, one of the nodal officers of the campaign and an official of the
Mysore City Corporation, said that even vendors near the palace
premises dealing with memorabilia have been advised against packing
their products in plastic covers. “In the run-up to Dasara, the
corporation led by Commissioner C.G. Betsurmath raided a few wholesale
dealers and manufacturing units,” she added.
Besides
declaring the palace plastic-free, the Scouts and Guides Grounds, which
is the venue of the Dasara Ahara Mela, will be plastic-free. Organisers
have been directed to provide only paper cups and plates.
The biggest challenge confronting authorities is at Chamundi Hills, which has a steady stream of visitors throughout the day.
Queue system
However,
Ms. Sudha said that since the entry was through queue system, it was
easy to ensure that plastic was not carried into the temple premises or
dumped around it. The long-term objective is to ensure that all places
of tourist interest in and around Mysore are plastic-free, she added.
The
Karnataka State Pollution Control Board intends to make all tourist
destinations and pilgrim centres free of plastic not only during Dasara
but in the future as well.
Notices have been put up to inform tourists that the venue is a plastic-free zone.
Biggest challenge is Chamundi Hills, which has a steady stream of visitors