Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Gir to become plastic free

15-10-2013
Gir to become plastic free
The Times of India
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-15/ahmedabad/43064954_1_gir-sanctuary-foreign-tourists-cent-rise

In order to make Gir free of plastic and waste, a dustbin has been kept in every jeep touring the sanctuary. The drivers have been asked to get down the vehicle and put the plastic material they spot on roads into the dustbin. The number of tourists to Gir sanctuary has increased by over 140 per cent since 2009-10. "The income too has gone up by 125 per cent," said a senior official.

In 2009-10, over 2.05 lakh visited the sanctuary which touched 4.60 lakh in 2012-13, the official said, adding that the income which was around Rs 2.15 crore in 2009-2010 has gone up to Rs 5.1 crore.

Senior officials said that the sanctuary witnessed 21 per cent more visitors during October 2012-June 2013 period as compared to October 2011-June 2012. The period saw 28 per cent rise in foreign tourists and 19 per cent rise in revenue.

According to the officials, more than 4,60,000 tourists arrived this season, fetching a revenue of Rs 5.1 crore. They said that the number of tourists went up considerably ever since the advertisement featuring Amitabh Bachchan was aired in October 2010.

The department has also introduced bus services for tourists in groups and has also increased the number of permits issued in a single day from 90 to 150. The number of jeeps has been increased to around 120 and numbers of guides has gone up to 90.

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