After copping criticism and concern by wildlife enthusiasts over plastic and paper littering the tiger reserves, the State forest department has now woken up to the problem.

It has now decided to make the entire Bandipur Tiger Reserve a plastic-free zone by imposing a fine of Rs 1,000 on offenders from August 15, 2012. Henceforth, visitors to Bandipur or those driving through National Highways 212 or 67 (which pass through the reserve), must be careful not to throw plastic waste like empty food packets and bottles as the tiger reserve becomes the first one to be plastic-free in the State.