Since the last two weekends, there has been a heavy rush of tourists and devotees to Srisailam, especially after the dam gates were opened to release the water downstream.
With people turning up in large numbers to enjoy the dam view, there is considerable increase in the plastic waste being dumped as well. This is despite the forest officials employing locals to clear the waste regularly.
There are three checkposts leading to Srisailam. The one at Umamaheswaram does not witness heavy vehicular traffic but the ones at Mannanur and Domalpenta, have been witnessing heavy traffic. On an average about 1000 vehicles pass through these check posts but on weekends, the numbers increase to 3400 to 3500 at each of these two check posts.
After imposing a ban on single use plastic since July 1, the forest department officials are frisking the vehicles at check posts to ensure no plastic drinking water bottles are being carried by the visitors.