: In a bid to create a pollution-free and pristine environment for holidaymakers, the Paradip Municipality has taken decisive steps to declare all tourist spots in the region as polythene-free zones. Chairman Basant Kumar Biswal announced the strategic measures designed to enhance the cleanliness, hygiene, and overall sanitation system during the upcoming holiday season.

Tourist spots such as Nehru Bungalow, Mannad Garden, Paradip Beach, and the Golf Course area will be equipped with Banabhoji pindis (Feast Pendals), restrooms, tube wells, and designated parking areas. A strict prohibition has been imposed on the use of polythene, plastic plates, glasses, cups, thermocol plates, cups, loudspeakers, and microphones. Additionally, the consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly forbidden. The comprehensive ban extends to single-use plastics, reinforcing the commitment to environmental sustainability.

To manage the influx of vehicles, parking fees have been fixed at Rs 100 for buses, Rs 50 for four-wheelers, Rs 30 for autos and Rs 10 for bikes. Notably, a fee of Rs 300 has been stipulated for tourism pindis (feast pandals) and Rs 200 for the lower ground. Advanced booking options for tourism pindis are also available.

Mission Shakti women have been entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing and managing the initiatives, ensuring adherence to the established guidelines. The city administration, port administration, and police administration jointly emphasized that violators of the regulations would face disciplinary actions.

Municipality Deputy Chairman Chabilata Rout, Executive Officer Pradeep Kumar Saha and Engineer Yudhisthir Patel were present at the Press meet.