Kutch Declares White Rann, Road to Heaven Plastic-Free, No-Spitting Zones

Kutch: The Kutch district administration has imposed strict restrictions at major tourist destinations, including Dhordo, the White Rann and the Road to Heaven, ahead of the annual Rann Utsav to protect the fragile desert ecosystem.

The four key measures prohibit spitting, plastic littering, unregistered animal rides and private vehicle access to sensitive areas. Kutch attracts nearly 10 lakh tourists to Dhordo and Dholavira between November and February.

The White Rann, Dhordo festival grounds and the Road to Heaven have been declared no-spitting zones, banning the consumption and spitting of tobacco, gutka and pan masala. The restrictions cover the stretch from Sabras Bus Stand to the Watch Tower, extending two km on either side, and the Road to Heaven from Kadhvand in Bhuj taluka to the Dholavira entry point.

The entire belt has also been declared plastic-free, prohibiting the dumping of single-use plastics, bottles and carry bags in the desert and waterlogged flats along the Road to Heaven.

Private vehicles have been barred from the stretch between Sabras Bus Stand and the Watch Tower and the adjoining White Rann following incidents of tourists getting stranded on fragile desert flats, necessitating rescue operations and damaging the salt crust.

Unregistered horse and camel rides at the Dhordo Rann Utsav grounds have also been prohibited. Operators must obtain formal registration from the designated committee before offering rides to tourists. DeshGujarat