Date:29/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/29/stories/2008122951370300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Salem

Strict enforcement of ban on plastic bags in zoological park

R. Ilangovan

Detailed project report to develop the park submitted to govt.

— Photo: E. Lakshmi Narayanan

Saving nature: Bags of visitors to the Kurumbapatti Zoological Park in Salem being checked for plastic items.

SALEM: At a time when the campaign against the plastic waste has failed in Yercaud and elsewhere in the district, a team of forest officials in the Kurumbapatti Zoological Park, some 10 km away from here, has shown the will to ban this non-biodegradable waste.

The zoo, which has been in a state of neglect for long, however, remains the much sought after place for the residents from Salem as it is situated in the foothills of Shevaroyan Hills on the sprawling 11 hectares of reserve forest land.

The mini category park is being maintained by the Department of Forests.

Though many important development works are yet to be taken up due to paucity of funds, the park is a frequented place for children and people who come to enjoy its serene surroundings.

It houses spotted deer, peacocks, peahens and other animals.

Clean environment

The officials have decided to the keep the environment clean.

They have decided not to allow plastic in any form inside the park as they know that it will destroy the flora and fauna and upset the delicate eco mechanism.

They ask the visitors to deposit the plastic bags and other plastic accessories in a sack, kept at the entrance.

“If they bring anything valuable in the plastic bags and eatables, we provide them paper bags as replacement. We never permit plastic inside,” said a senior official.

Thus, the surroundings of the park are kept away from non-degradable waste. Meanwhile, hopes of improving the park have been revived.

A detailed project report has been submitted to the government recently.

The first and foremost requirement is the compound wall around the park so that neither poachers nor predators encroach into it for which Rs. 75 lakh is needed, the officials said.

Other works include laying of cement roads, constructing tiny bridges, check dams, drinking water facilities, watch towers, lawns and pedal boats for visitors.

At present, the park boasts of spotted deer, crocodiles, peacocks and peahens, tortoises etc.