Udaipur, June 5: On the occasion of World Environment Day, the ‘Neer Amrit’ organization, in collaboration with the Forest Department, has declared Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Monsoon Palace, and Sajjangarh Biological Park in Udaipur as a plastic bottle-free zone. This initiative aims to promote environmental conservation and clean tourism and could serve as a model for other tourist destinations across the country.
Sajjangarh is one of Udaipur’s most popular tourist spots, attracting a large number of domestic and international visitors daily. The plastic bottles discarded by tourists have posed a continuous threat to wildlife, the environment, and the natural beauty of the area. Keeping this in mind, the Forest Department has taken this significant step.
Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Sedu Ram Yadav stated that a complete ban on plastic water bottles will be enforced to keep Sajjangarh Biological Park and Wildlife Sanctuary plastic-free. A fine of ₹1,000 will be imposed for the use of plastic water bottles within the sanctuary area.
He further mentioned that tourists will be able to purchase 500 ml of water in glass bottles for ₹50 at the Sajjangarh ticket window. Upon returning the empty bottle, ₹40 will be refunded. This arrangement has been initiated experimentally through the ‘Neer Amrit’ organization starting from World Environment Day. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce the consumption of single-use plastics while promoting cleanliness and environmental conservation at tourist sites.
The event was attended by Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Yadavendra Singh Chundawat, Assistant Conservator of Forests Surabhi Sharma, Regional Forest Officer Vinod Kumar Tanwar, Regional Forest Officer Siyaram Meena, Regional Forest Officer Prabhulal Meena, Forest Guard Ajit Singh Ranawat, founder of ‘Neer Amrit’ Bhupendra Singh, and Rahul Bhatnagar from the Green People Society. The guests also planted trees in the Sajjangarh Sanctuary area to convey a message of environmental protection.