Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren issued a warning against littering near tourist hotspots.

Addressing a function on Thursday evening after inaugurating Paryatan Vihar — a luxury tourist resort complex — at the scenic Patratu Dam in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district, Soren said: “Consider this tourist spot as your own property. Have fun and enjoy the scenic beauty, but I would like to caution that do not damage or litter waste creating pollution under any circumstances. Otherwise, we will be forced to undertake strict measures. Government can strengthen the infrastructure of any tourist place, but it is your responsibility to run and keep it safe.”

This was the first time that Soren issued a stern warning against pollution in tourist spots which is rampant in Jharkhand.

“Patratu Dam is becoming a famous tourist spot and can become a source of employment for locals as can be found in tourist places in different states of the country. However, the boat operators and the district administrations should ensure that tourists and locals do not litter or damage properties. The Ramgarh district administration should demarcate the catchment area of the dam so that it is not encroached upon. The local administration should not desist from taking action under suitable provisions of law against violators,” added Soren.

State youth affairs and tourism minister Hafizul Hassan said that the tourism department would soon issue a directive to the local administration to appoint guards at all tourist hotspots across Jharkhand.