Bhubaneswar, 31 July (H.S.): In a renewed push towards environmental sustainability, the Odisha government has reinforced its ban on single-use plastic items across all government offices, autonomous institutions, and state-owned Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

In an official directive issued to all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and Commissioner-cum-Secretaries, the state government has called for strict and immediate adherence to the existing regulations prohibiting the use of single-use plastics.

Although Odisha implemented a state-wide ban on such plastic items on October 2, 2019, followed by a nationwide ban by the Central government on July 1, 2022, the use of single-use plastics reportedly remains widespread—particularly in urban areas and at public gathering spots like picnic locations.

Citing this ongoing violation, the government has urged all departments to treat the issue with utmost seriousness and to issue clear instructions to ensure the elimination of single-use plastics within all government premises.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda