The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Environment and Science has recommended measures to revive the environmental sanctity of the Nilgiris district, which is in a state of abuse.

The measures include banning of plastic bags, pressure horns in automobiles and development of Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) in the Nilgiris district. The Committee has also asked the Union Government to assist Tamil Nadu in reviving all the lakes, including the one in Udhagamandalam.

“Old and polluting Government vehicles, a major source of vehicular pollution in Udhagamandalam, should not be allowed to ply on the roads. To mitigate vehicular pollution, MRTS needs to be developed,” the Committee chaired by former Union Minister Ashwani Kumar said in its report.

The Committee noted that despite steps taken by the District Administration to control pollution of Ooty Lake, much more was needed to be done, and it was imperative that constant watch was kept on the ecological health of the lake since it was a major tourist attraction.

The Committee also recommended that ‘no vehicular zone’ may be earmarked during peak season when tourists flooded Udhagamandalam. Pressure horns in automobiles should be banned to contain noise pollution. Solid Waste Management system needed to be put in place.

A lot of construction material was transported to Udhagamandalam everyday from neighbouring cities which was a major contributor of pollution.

“Transportation of construction and building materials may be regulated and people should be encouraged to build homes using locally available wood products,” the Committee said.

It also recommended that “Union Environment Ministry may extend financial assistance to the State authorities to rejuvenate all the lakes, including prominent tourist places under the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems”.