In 2001, when then Nilgiris Collector Supriya Sahu visited Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, she didn’t spot a tiger or elephant—but a disturbing pile of plastic waste. A tribal child pointed out how elephants rummaged through it, eating even the plastic. That moment sparked a bold decision: Sahu banned plastic carry bags, making Nilgiris India’s first district to do so.

Twenty years later, the Nilgiris’ dream of staying plastic-free is under strain. While Tamil Nadu leads the way by banning carry bags of all microns, rising tourist numbers bring in increasing amounts of plastic. “We’ve made progress, but deeply entrenched habits don’t change overnight,” says Sahu.

Collector J Innocent Divya later continued the effort, leading to state-wide bans on 19 single-use plastic items in 2019. A 2020 court order barred 1- and 2-litre plastic water bottles in the Nilgiris. Waste yards in Ooty and Coonoor were revamped into management parks, and flying squads were tasked with monitoring.

However, enforcement remains patchy. Covid-19 led to a surge in plastic use, and tourist littering is rampant. “Public apathy is the real problem,” says NEST’s V Sivadas. Activists want centralised disposal systems and CCTV surveillance. Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru says weak legal backing hinders action. “We fine travel agents if tourists bring banned plastic,” she notes.

Efforts like women-led tourist screenings, SHG volunteers, and TNSTC checks are underway. The Manjapai campaign, Blue Brigade coastal drives, and fishnet recycling have added momentum.

Still, lasting change needs public ownership. As CM Stalin said, “Carry your cloth bag like you carry your phone.”