Bhubaneswar: The development authority on Saturday launched a plastic-free campaign for its office and parks on its 36th foundation day.

Two enforcement wing squads went to Biju Patnaik Park and briefed vendors about the effects of plastic and polythene. The team also made them aware regarding the use of alternatives such as paper pouches and cotton bags.

Volunteers of Save The Earth Foundation were also roped in for the campaign. The team interacted with the joggers and distributed cotton bags. "In the first phase, we will ensure that no plastic and polythene is used in our office and parks before extending it to the market complexes," said development authority secretary Bhabani Shankar Chayani.

During the foundation day meeting, paper files, folders were used at the conference room and plastic water bottles were replaced by glasses. An official said an office order would be issued shortly to ask employees not to carry their food in plastic containers and the employees would be advised to use metal lunch boxes and containers instead.

The state government had earlier announced a decision ban plastic and polythene in the state from October 2 on Gandhi Jayanti. The development authority also launched a three-day plastic collection drive from Saturday. The authorities urged the recognised morning walkers' and park goers' associations to implement the ban.

Residents, however, said there should be crackdowns on plastic manufacturing units. "The plastic ban idea is a welcome idea keeping an eye on the adverse impact of the polythene on the environment. However, the government should ensure that no polythene is manufactured. If the manufacturing units continue to manufacture polythene and supply in market then it would be difficult on the part of the consumers to adhere to the ban," said Harish Rout, a local resident.