Need for setting up plastic re-cycling unit stressed The need to evolve ways to tackle effectively the growing threat to the ecology of the Nilgiris, particularly its forests, from plastics was emphasised by the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Protection and Vigilance), Lakshmi Narayan, here on Wednesday. He was presiding over a meeting convened to review the measures being implemented to protect the forests here. Interacting with the participants, he said that the plastic menace was a serious source of concern in the district. With the inflow of tourists increasing, the problem is bound to escalate. High priority should be accorded to prevent the menace from getting out of hand. If necessary, even a plastic re-cycling unit should be put up here. Stating that the pressure on forests was increasing, he said that conservation measures should be stepped up. Urging the participants to be constantly on guard against the occurrence of bushfires, Mr. Narayan said that wildlife offenders in general and poachers in particular should be kept at bay. Efforts should be made to speed up long-pending court cases. Man-animal conflict should not be allowed to escalate. Relief to the families of victims should be given without delay. Among those who participated were the Project Director, Hill Area Development Programme, Srinivas R. Reddy, the District Forest Officer (South), Anurag Misra, the Deputy Director, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Ameer Haja, the Assistant Conservator of Forests (North), R. Jayaraj, and the District Forest Officer, Gudalur, Deepak Bilji.