Sambalpur: The Hirakud wildlife division has imposed a ban on picnics at the zero point of Hirakud dam which is situated to the end of the right dyke of the dam, a report said.
The matter came to the fore after the office of the divisional forest officer (DFO), Hirakud Wildlife Division, issued a notice in this regard Wednesday. The notice mentions that henceforth no picnic will be organised at the picnic spot of zero point which lies close to Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary.
The DFO office said the decision has been taken in accordance with a Supreme Court direction on security and protection of wildlife inside the sanctuary.
Picnickers will not be allowed or encouraged to organise picnics at the picnic spot of zero point as it comes under an eco-sensitive zone for its close proximity to Debrgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. The notice further said that organising picnics will result in sound and water pollution. Plastic use during picnic will also affect the wild animals in their habitats.
Moreover, tourists visiting the zero point for picnics have often been seen straying into the wildlife sanctuary without prior permission for which the ban has been imposed on picnics for protection and security of wildlife inside the sanctuary, the notice issued by the Hirakud Wildlife Division said.
The Sambalpur district administration had earlier imposed restrictions on carrying polythene and plastic materials to the right dyke area of the Hirakud dam two years back. Moreover, the district police had also imposed restrictions on carrying and consuming liquor in the area.
PNN