📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Sumitsurai
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No‑Plastic Zone in Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary Leads to Fines for 55 Tourists
✍️ Amar Ujala · Rajasthan
🗓 09 Oct 2026, 08:16 AM
👁 40
Since the October 2 launch of the no‑plastic zone, forest officials have fined 55 visitors for violations and reported a noticeable drop in litter around the Vishva Shanti Stupa complex.
The Bihar forest department activated a ‘No Plastic Zone’ on October 2 across the Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary and the adjoining Vishva Shanti Stupa precinct. The measure aims to keep the protected area and the popular pilgrimage‑tourist site free of single‑use plastic waste.
Forest officials stationed at entry points began checking bags and issuing penalties to violators. Within a week, 55 tourists were fined for carrying prohibited plastic items, marking the first enforcement action under the new rule.
Preliminary observations indicate a reduction in litter around the Stupa complex, with cleaner pathways and fewer plastic fragments reported by staff. Authorities said the early results suggest the ban is encouraging responsible behaviour among visitors.
The department plans to continue monitoring compliance, increase awareness campaigns, and extend similar restrictions to other ecologically sensitive zones in the state.
Forest officials stationed at entry points began checking bags and issuing penalties to violators. Within a week, 55 tourists were fined for carrying prohibited plastic items, marking the first enforcement action under the new rule.
Preliminary observations indicate a reduction in litter around the Stupa complex, with cleaner pathways and fewer plastic fragments reported by staff. Authorities said the early results suggest the ban is encouraging responsible behaviour among visitors.
The department plans to continue monitoring compliance, increase awareness campaigns, and extend similar restrictions to other ecologically sensitive zones in the state.