Single-Use Plastics To Not be Allowed At Historical Monuments, Announces Tourism Minister Prahlad Patel

Joining the fight announced by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi against the rampant usage of single-use plastic in the nation, the Union Minister for Tourism, Prahlad Patel announced on Wednesday (2 October) on the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi that the usage of such plastics will not be permitted on the premises of historical monuments or within 100 metres of their vicinity, reports The Hindu.

The announcement by Patel comes at a time when the Government has shelved a blanket ban on the usage of single-use plastics, fearing a disruption in the industry at a time when the economy is grappling with a slowdown.

Patel made the announcement while addressing the media persons after having launched a tourism fair called 'Paryatan Parv' (Tourism Festival) in New Delhi. The festival is being organised across the nation from 2-13 October.

At the time of the announcement, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Prakash Javadekar were also present at the occasion and urged the people to explore the host of tourism destinations across the nation, including lesser-explored sites with historical, cultural and religious significance.