Puri Beach Gets Eco-Friendly Plastic Ban

The Puri district administration has imposed a complete ban on single-use plastics within 500 meters of the beach. Violators will face fines ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000. Special monitoring teams have been deployed, and plastic-free zones will be marked with signage. The administration has also set up collection points for eco-friendly alternatives. This decision follows growing concerns about plastic pollution affecting Olive Ridley sea turtles that nest along the coast. Tourism Minister Ashok Chandra Panda said, "We want Puri to be a model for sustainable tourism in India." The ban comes into effect from January 15, 2024.