Jeypore, Jan, 10: The State Pollution Board and the Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department are set to launch a competition for plastic-free picnic spots. A list of 16 tourist destinations from the district has been prepared for this. According to an official, the main aim of the competition is to keep picnic spots free of litter and plastic while promoting a clean environment.
According to departmental information, a list of 500 tourist destinations from 30 districts of the state has been prepared. Among them, 16 locations are from Koraput. These include Duduma Waterfall, Deomali Mountain, Nandapur, Gupteswar Cave, Kolab Dam, Jalaput Dam, Meenapai Valley, Nandapur Hills, Hatipathar Waterfall, Kotpad Riverbank, Kunduli Forest Area, Machkund Riverbank, Pattangi Hills, Semiliguda Range, Deomali Eco-tourism Nature Camp, Raniduduma Waterfall, and Nageshwar Cave Destination Center.
Through other activities, people will be made aware of maintaining environmental cleanliness and avoiding the use of polythene. Panchayats, volunteers, eco-clubs, NGOs, and SHG members will participate in this initiative.
Single-use plastic will be banned, and instructions on what should and should not be done will be displayed. The general public will be made aware so that they follow these guidelines.