Agartala, Jan 16: Tripura Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma on Friday carried out a surprise inspection of the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary and zoo premises following reports of large-scale plastic littering in the area.
Accompanied by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and senior officials of the Forest Department, the minister inspected multiple locations within the reserve and interacted with zoo authorities to assess the situation on the ground.
Speaking after the visit, Debbarma said the sanctuary was found to be largely neat and clean. However, he added that the department has decided to deploy additional cleaning staff to further strengthen cleanliness and waste-management measures.
The minister appealed to visitors to act responsibly and ensure that plastic waste is disposed of only in designated bins.
Emphasising that Sepahijala is a declared plastic-free zone, he said maintaining cleanliness is essential for protecting wildlife and preserving the forest’s fragile ecosystem.
Clarifying the government’s approach, Debbarma said the focus is not on imposing harsh penalties but on creating awareness about the harmful impact of plastic pollution.
“Public awareness and responsible behaviour are crucial to keeping such ecologically sensitive areas clean,” he said.
Sepahijala remains one of Tripura’s most popular tourist destinations and typically draws large picnic crowds during this time of the year. However, the government has imposed a ban on picnics in the sanctuary to curb noise and other forms of pollution that could disturb wildlife and damage the natural environment.
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