In a significant move to protect its natural beauty, authorities in Andhra Pradesh's Alluri Sitarama Raju district are implementing a strict, innovative system to make all major tourist destinations completely plastic-free. The initiative, spearheaded by ITDA Project Director T Sripooja, aims to tackle the persistent problem of plastic pollution that has plagued scenic spots like the famous Cloud Hills.
The Plastic Menace and a New Solution
The drive comes after district authorities previously removed a staggering around seven tonnes of plastic waste from the Vangangi Hills, also known as Meghala Konda or Cloud Hills. Despite annual clean-up efforts, tourist spots continue to be littered with huge quantities of discarded plastic bottles and bags. To enforce a complete ban effectively, a new stickering and deposit system was introduced at select locations starting December 1.
Under this system, visitors to tourist spots are requested not to carry plastic bottles or bags at all. However, if they must bring these items, they are required to get a special sticker affixed to each plastic water bottle or bag by paying a refundable deposit of Rs 10 per item. Upon returning from the site, tourists must show the empty bottles or bags to the staff at the entrance. They can then hand over the items to reclaim their deposited money.
Rollout and Current Implementation
A tourism department officer confirmed that this system is already operational at several popular sites. Chaparai waterfalls in Dumbriguda mandal, the tribal museum, and Padmapuram gardens in Araku Valley, along with Kottapalli waterfalls at GMadugula mandal, have successfully adopted the measure. Special waste bins have been placed at these locations to collect the returned empty bottles and bags, ensuring proper disposal and significantly reducing plastic garbage.
The initiative is now set to expand to even more prominent attractions. The same deposit system will soon be implemented at the iconic Borra Caves and resorts maintained by the AP Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC). This expansion is crucial given the high volume of visitors. Presently, around 10,000 tourists per day visit Araku Valley and its surrounding spots, including waterfalls. Areas like Vanjangi Cloud Hills, Madagada, and Lammasingi see a footfall of 3,000 to 4,000 on regular days and over 5,000 on weekends during the ongoing tourist season.
Towards a Sustainable Future for Tourism
The Rs 10 deposit scheme represents a practical, incentive-based approach to waste management. It places a small financial responsibility on tourists, encouraging them to be mindful of their plastic consumption and ensuring they return the waste instead of discarding it in the environment. This proactive step by the ITDA and tourism authorities is expected to set a benchmark for other ecologically sensitive tourist regions in India, promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the district's natural heritage for future generations.
