Alarmed by the mountains of plastic waste left behind by tourists, the forest department in Tamil Nadu's Tenkasi district is taking decisive action. From February 1, the popular waterfalls of Courtallam will be declared a strict plastic-free zone, with fines and new systems introduced to protect the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats landscape.
The Scale of the Plastic Problem
The move comes as a direct response to the staggering amount of plastic collected every tourist season. R Rajmohan, the District Forest Officer (DFO) of Tenkasi, revealed that between 250 kilograms to 1.5 tonnes of plastic waste used to be gathered from the area. Significant accumulations were noted at popular spots like Old Courtallam, Five Falls, and particularly near the Main Falls, prompting the urgent need for intervention.
The New Action Plan: Fines, Bans, and Alternatives
As part of the "Plastic-Free Courtallam" initiative, a multi-pronged strategy will be enforced. A key measure is the imposition of a fine of Rs 500 for first-time offenders caught selling or carrying prohibited plastic items, with higher penalties for repeat violations. To ensure compliance, plastic checking points will be established at all major entry points to Courtallam, including routes from Tenkasi, Sengkottai, and Rajapalayam.
The enforcement will be handled by a joint team comprising officials from the forest department, local police, revenue authorities, the town panchayat, and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. Beyond penalties, the plan actively promotes sustainable alternatives:
- Ban on 1-litre PET bottles: Tourists will be barred from carrying these, mirroring successful models from hill stations like Kodaikanal.
- Promotion of reusable bottles: The use of refillable containers will be encouraged, supported by the installation of drinking water refill stations.
- Shift for shopkeepers: Vendors will be mandated to use reusable or biodegradable materials, with authorities suggesting viable alternatives.
- Plastic deposit return system: A novel deposit scheme is planned to incentivize proper disposal.
Awareness Drive and Future Goals
Recognizing the need for public cooperation, the department has designated the period until February as a transition phase for awareness and adaptation. In the third week of January, a series of outreach activities including rallies, poster campaigns, and even a mini marathon are planned to educate visitors, shopkeepers, students, and locals.
"We will create awareness among visitors, shopkeepers, school and college students, and the public to avoid plastic in Courtallam and the Western Ghats area of Tenkasi," stated DFO Rajmohan. He expressed optimism that the action plan, once successfully implemented in the Courtallam region, would be expanded throughout the entire Tenkasi district, setting a new standard for eco-tourism in Tamil Nadu's natural treasures.
