Plastic-free Nilgiris was dotted with plastic water bottles as part of the MGR Centenary celebrations in Ooty on Saturday, earning the wrath of activists and the public.

According to sources, the district administration in tourist destination Nilgiris had been taking various steps to control the littering of plastic products like cups, tumblers and bags by imposing ban. Tourist spots like the Government Botanical Garden and Boat House in Ooty are free of plastic as the ban is being strictly followed.

The district administration proposes to impose complete ban of plastic products in the district from January 15.

The MGR Centenary celebration was put off last month owing the heavy rain in Ooty. But the grand celebration on Saturday, attended by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, cabinet ministers, MLAs, government officials and the public saw widespread distribution of plastic water bottles. But there was mention that these bottles were made of easily degradable plastic.