NEWS

High Court Orders Bodh Gaya a Plastic-free Zone, Demands Government Action against Plastic Pollution

By BD Dipananda | | Buddhistdoor Global

On 23 July, Patna High Court, the high court of the Indian state of Bihar, has instructed the Gaya District administration to announce Bodh Gaya a plastic-free zone and ordered Bihar State government to take action against the pollution caused by polythene bags, after local news reports revealed the level of plastic pollution in Muchalinda Lake. The court also emphasized the importance of public awareness about the plastic pollution issue in the state: “There is not a single street where vegetables and fruits are not sold in plastic bags. It is not only the state government that is responsible for the menace of pollution by polythene bags, the public should also be made aware about the harmful effects of their use.” (The Telegraph India) Prior to the court’s ruling, Abhishek Singh, Gaya District magistrate and Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee ex officio chairman, informed the court that the use of plastic products has been banned within Bodh Gaya, and that a 500-rupee penalty would be imposed on any visitor found violating the ban. The penalty fees will be deposited in the shrine account.