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Fine imposed on tourists using plastic bags in Nilgiris

The usage of plastic bags was banned in the Nilgiris district a few years ago, to prevent the environmental pollution in the hill station. Ever since the ban, frequent inspection of the tourist's vehicle is being carried out to check the usage of plastic bags by the tourists. An amount of Rs. 2000 has been fined as penalty to the tourists carrying plastic bags in their vehicle.

Most of the tourists visiting the Ooty botanical garden, Rose garden, and Ooty boat house have been found using the plastic bags and cover for wrapping the food parcels and leaving the plastic waste in the spot. This has caused a serious threat to the environment of the sightseeing places in Ooty. 

The municipal commission of Ooty, Mr. Prabhakar has instructed the health inspector of Ooty municipality to inspect the vehicles of the tourists, based on the several complaints registered by the environmentalists and public regarding the usage of plastics by the tourists.

Mr. Maharaja, health inspector of Ooty, said that an amount of Rs. 16,000 has been collected from the tourists using the plastic bags, during the April and May month. He also said that vehicle inspection will be carried out throughout the year to bring awareness to the tourists and to reduce the pollution in the Queen of Hills.