SFDC tackles plastic pollution around waterbodies with Rs 100 fine

The State Fisheries Development Corporation (SFDC) has declared all tourist places managed by the Corporation plastic and thermocol free.

The SFDC has already issued notices to various tourist places situated along the waterbodies instructing them to strictly restrict the use of plastic and thermocol items, failing which a fine will be imposed on those who throw the same in the waterbodies.

According to a senior official of the SFDC, if anybody is found to be flouting the norms and throws plastic materials in the waterbodies, he/she will be fined with Rs 100.

The Corporation has found that tourists visiting various places managed by the SFDC often throw plastic substances into the waterbodies causing harm to marine life.

A senior official of the state Fisheries department said as the plastic materials gradually mix with the water, the level of dissolved oxygen in those waterbodies go down creating problems for pisciculture.

A senior official of the SFDC added that nobody will be allowed to use plastic materials within 100 metres from the waterbodies. The instruction has already been given to Nalban, Goltala, Henries Island, Jamunadighi and a few other areas as well for the preservation of waterbodies.

According to the official, employees who are deployed at these spots have been asked to keep a vigil on the tourists to check them from using plastic materials. During the time of the entry of visitors to the waterbodies and its adjoining areas, checking will be done to see if they are carrying any plastic materials.

If someone manages to enter with plastic and are found to be throwing these materials to the waterbodies, they will be slapped with an instant fine.

Awareness campaigns will also be conducted in those tourist hotspots to check people from using these materials.