Patna:
The state government on Tuesday declared the Sanjay Gandhi Zoological Park as polythene and plastic free zone on the occasion of Environment Day.
Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi said there would be strict ban on the use of polythene and plastic materials by visitors inside the park.
The visitors will also be barred from taking in 'gutkha' and potato chips packets, Sushil Kumar Modi said, adding that the ban on these materials will be extended to VIP localities and other parks in the state depending on the success of this measure.
They can make use of jute bags, which can be bought at the entrance by paying the cost of Rs 2.
In addition to the actual cost, they will also have to pay Rs 5 extra on purchase of water bottles and cold drinks, which would be refunded upon return of the empty bottles, he said.
As many as 19 lakh people visit the eco-park annually and the environment-friendly measures will ensure cleanliness there.
To improve forest cover in Bihar, the state government has set a target of planting 24 crore trees and saplings over the next five years, he said.
About 2,000 trees will be cut or trimmed to pave way for smooth landing and take-off of flights from the airport adjacent to the zoological park, he said.
Necessary permission is being obtained from the Eastern Region headquarter of the central forest and environment ministry at Bhubaneshwar in this regard.