Acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli recently embarked on a solo trek to Deomali, Odisha’s highest peak, only to be met with a disappointing sight – litter scattered along the scenic trail.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) on Wednesday, Rajamouli shared a video collage capturing the breathtaking views from the summit, juxtaposed with the presence of plastic bottles and garbage polluting the natural landscape.
Dressed in a green t-shirt, pants, and white sneakers, Rajamouli concluded his video with a shot of himself posing against the picturesque backdrop. However, his excitement was overshadowed by concern over the lack of civic sense displayed by visitors.
“Had an amazing solo trek to Deomali, Odisha’s highest and most stunning peak. The view from the top was absolutely breathtaking. However, it was disheartening to see the trail marred by litter. Such pristine wonders deserve better. A little civic sense can make a huge difference… Every visitor should carry back their waste to help protect these places,” he wrote in his post.
Rajamouli’s concerns for civic responsibility resonated with many, including socio-political leader Suparno Satpathy, who responded to his post, acknowledging the issue and urging stricter measures.
“Dear @ssrajamouli, regrets for your unpleasant experience at the stunning Deomali. My appeal to our ‘positions of power’ – ‘Visitors need to be sensitized extensively and violators need to be penalized heavily’ – SS. ps: This also goes for all the other stunning spots of Odisha,” Satpathy commented.
An X user shared his video from the same location and wrote, “This was years ago when I first visited Deomali. Not many people know about this place. It was incredibly beautiful, clean, serene, and untouched. It does not deserve the condition it is in now.”
“I’m grateful to live in Australia because we don’t experience such litter here. I feel people need to have some basic responsibility and respect to not just chuck their rubbish as they please. It’s bad manners to litter and just poor education. Sorry you had to experience that,” wrote another user.
“Instead of that you should request or suggest government’s to take enough measurements to provide dustbins and effective management .In that way it will increase revenue as well sir!!!! and they listen to you,” read another comment under the filmmaker’s post.
Meanwhile, on the work front, Rajamouli is gearing up for his upcoming directorial venture, tentatively titled SSB29, starring Mahesh Babu, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Priyanka Chopra. Written by Vijayendra Prasad, the film has generated a lot of buzz, though further details about the cast and storyline remain under wraps.
