SS Rajamouli impact: Odisha gears up to regulate tourist movement, cleanliness at Deomali

A few days after acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli, who was in Deomali for the shooting of his mega-budget film ‘SSMB29’ expressed dissatisfaction with the plight of the cherished tourist destination, Koraput district authorities swung into action and have introduced new measures to preserve the cleanliness of Deomali.

In a bid to safeguard Deomali's pristine environment, a delegation comprising the District Collector, Superintendent of Police (SP), Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), and other officials alongside MLA of Pottangi, visited the site and laid out a series of directions to be followed strictly with immediate effect.

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The district administration issued a letter with a set of measures to be taken by tourists and vendors in the area.

The letter from the Court of the Collector and District Magistrate Koraput read, “Whereas, Deomali Hilltop is the highest peak in Odisha and a major ecological and tourist site in Koraput district, drawing a significant number of visitors throughout the year.”

“Whereas it has been brought to the notice that unregulated tourist activity, especially during night hours, has led to safety concerns, and a rise in littering and plastic waste in and around Deomali. Now, therefore, in the interest of preserving the ecological sanctity of Deomali, ensuring tourist safety, and maintain public order, the following directions are issued with immediate effect,” the letter further read.

1. Tourist movement to and from Deomali Hilltop is strictly prohibited from 8PM to 5AM on all days. Tourists with prior booking for stay in Eco-Cottages and camp sites operated by Govt or Govt. recognized instituations are exempted.

2. No person or group shall be allowed to stay overnight in the hilltop area unless specifically permitted by the District Administration.

3. Visitors are prohibited from carrying single-use plastic to Deomali. Violators will be penalized as per Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.

4. All tourists must dispose off their waste in designated dustbins.

5. Tour operators and vendors operating in the vicinity shall ensure proper waste disposal and maintain cleanliness standards.

6. Any other directions as issued by the Block Administration, Pottangi and concerned local authorities, shall be adhered to strictly.

Any person violating this order shall be liable to be proceeded against as per the provision of section 15 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and legal action shall be taken.