Bhubaneswar: Responding to the global challenges posed by the extensive use of single-use plastics and disposable items, the government of Odisha has launched a dedicated awareness initiative, the ‘Plastic Free Picnic’ campaign. The program aims to educate students, youth, and the general public about making major picnic spots across the state free from plastic waste.
“As we witness a surge in visitors to various picnic spots during winter, it is essential to address the aftermath that often includes plastic waste. The ‘Plastic Free Picnic’ campaign is a collective effort to instill environmental responsibility and ensure cleaner and greener recreational spaces for our communities,” said Pradeep Kumar Jena, Chief Secretary of Odisha.
Emphasizing the importance of creating a healthy environment for future generations, he said, “Now is the time for everyone to make efforts on how to protect the environment. During picnics, let’s pay attention to the use of reusable materials and maintain cleanliness. Let’s all come forward to create a healthy environment for the future generations.”
The campaign encourages picnic-goers to adopt eco-friendly alternatives such as leaf plates, leaf bowls, steel crockery, cloth handkerchiefs, towels, and cloth bags instead of plastic and polythene items. Proper waste disposal using designated bins is also strongly encouraged.
Actor Sabyasachi Mishra, supporting the campaign, appealed to people to avoid plastic items during picnics. “We can enjoy our gatherings without harming the environment. Let’s join the #PlasticFreePicnicChallenge and make our picnic spots green and joyful,” he urged.
Dr. K. Murugesan, IFS, Member Secretary of Odisha State Pollution Control Board, highlighted the non-biodegradable nature of single-use plastics and their harmful impact on soil fertility and groundwater pollution. “If we litter natural picnic spots with plastic and other pollutants, not only do we harm ourselves but we also jeopardize the life of other species that are part of the local ecosystems,” he emphasized.
The ‘Plastic Free Picnic’ campaign, organized by the State Pollution Control Board, Odisha, under the Forest Environment and Climate Change Department, targets 176 major picnic spots in the state. Local volunteers, eco clubs, and women’s self-help groups (SHGs) play a crucial role in implementing the awareness campaign at the grassroots level through ‘Youth4Water,’ a voluntary organization.
The state government had previously enforced a ban on single-use plastic and polythene carry bags within municipal limits, effective from December 31, 2022, and extended the ban to various picnic spots. The Plastic Free Picnic campaign aligns with these efforts to curb plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices in Odisha.