Bhubaneswar: The Koraput district administration has imposed a ban on overnight stays at Deomali Hilltop, the highest peak in Odisha, to preserve its ecological sanctity and ensure tourist safety.
According to the directive issued by Koraput District Magistrate & Collector V Keerthi Vasan, tourists are prohibited from staying at the hilltop between 8 pm and 5 am.
Effective immediately, the directive aims to protect the environment under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
As per the directive, no overnight stays are allowed in the hilltop area without specific permission from the district administration. Besides, visitors are also required to refrain from carrying single-use plastic items to Deomali and violators will face penalties under the Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016.
Proper waste disposal is mandatory, and tourists must use designated dustbins. Tour operators and vendors in the area are responsible for maintaining cleanliness standards and ensuring proper waste disposal.
Additionally, all directions issued by the Block Administration, Pottangi and local authorities must be strictly followed. Failure to comply may result in legal action under Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
