In a remarkable display of environmental stewardship, the Brahmapur Green Forces Association launched the "Development of Clean Environment Tourism" programme at the renowned tourist destination of Maa Mahuri Kalua in Ganjam district on Wednesday.
The initiative, commemorating the World Tourism Day, seeks to rejuvenate tourism while safeguarding the natural beauty of the region.
The programme's core mission is to promote sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices in Ganjam district. It strives to eliminate plastic waste and garbage from key tourist areas, with a primary focus on the main road linking the Shakti Peetha to the picturesque hills.
The association presented a demand letter to District Tourism Officer Binod Kumar Behera, urging greater transparency and accountability in the local tourism sector. This commitment to ethical and open tourism development sets a new standard.
“We will educate both local residents and visitors about the critical importance of preserving the environment and protecting wildlife. We will also appraise them about the negative consequences of improper waste disposal, such as burning refuse,” association president Shibram Panigrahi said.
The association collaborates closely with local committees to orchestrate large-scale cleaning operations at various tourist destinations. The emphasis is not just on waste removal but also on implementing sustainable waste management practices, he added.