Koraput: Amid growing concern over Odisha’s highest peak Deomali being littered with various waste materials, the administration in Koraput has banned use of single waste plastic and regulated movement of tourists on the mountain.
As per the new rules, anyone found using single-use plastic or littering plastic and food waste or any other kind of garbage on Deomali peak in Pottangi block will be fined Rs 1,000.
This apart, anyone found hosting picnics or parties on the peak without the permission of authorities concerned, will face punitive action, according to Koraput district Collector V Keerthi Vasan.
It has also been decided to impose restrictions on movement of tourists, particularly overnight campers. Tourists can now visit Deomali from 5 am to 8 pm. Beyond 8 pm, only tourists who have prior bookings in eco-cottages and the tent sites can stay on the peak, he said.
It may be noted that Deomali has recorded a surge in tourist visiting the peak over the last few years, which leads to heavy pollution in the mountain. Therefore, the administration had imposed a ban on private camping on the peak in November last year.
The state operates 10 eco-cottages on the peak and the local administration had introduced 100 tents for night camping on the peak last year. Deomali was visited by 4.8 lakh tourists in 2024 as compared to 3.9 lakh in 2023, according to statistics.
Notably, director SS Rajamouli, who shot a few scenes for his upcoming movie in Talamali, had recently highlighted the poor condition and plastic pollution in Deomali. After a solo trek to Deomali, Rajamouli through his social media handles had urged people to have the basic responsibility to help maintain the pristine beauty of the peak.
“Had an amazing solo trek to Deomali, Odisha’s highest and most stunning peak. The view from the top was absolutely breathtaking. However, it was disheartening to see the trail marred by litter. Such pristine wonders deserve better. A little civic sense can make a huge difference. Every visitor should carry back their waste to help protect these places,” he wrote on X.