Plastic Free July: Wildlife rescuers urge people to cut single-use plastic

Wildlife experts stressed that such incidents are not isolated but reflect a growing pattern of human negligence in waste disposal. (Pic/ Special Arrangement)

Ahead of Plastic Free July, wildlife rescuers have urged citizens to reduce their use of single-use plastic and dispose of waste responsibly, warning that plastic pollution continues to injure and kill wild animals across Maharashtra.

According to RESQ Charitable Trust, which operates Wildlife Transit Treatment Centres (TTCs) in Pune and Nashik in association with the Maharashtra Forest Department, animals are routinely rescued after suffering injuries caused by plastic waste, discarded packaging, fishing nets, wires and improper garbage disposal.

The trust said birds, reptiles and mammals often mistake plastic for food or become trapped in plastic waste, resulting in severe injuries, infections, starvation and, in many cases, death.

Highlighting some recent rescue cases, RESQ cited a long-billed vulture that died after ingesting glass fragments, a python found with a metal wire protruding through its body after swallowing contaminated animal remains, and a leopard rescued from a debris-filled canal where it struggled to keep its head above water.

Wildlife experts stressed that such incidents are not isolated but reflect a growing pattern of human negligence in waste disposal.

"Every rescue begins with someone's decision about where to throw their garbage. No waste management system can replace individual responsibility," the organisation said.

To promote awareness, RESQ has been conducting educational programmes in schools, using real-life rescue stories, photographs and videos to explain the impact of plastic pollution on wildlife. The sessions also cover safe interactions with animals, wildlife protection laws, responsible waste disposal, and career opportunities in conservation.

Ahead of Plastic Free July, RESQ conducted an awareness session at J.N. Petit Technical High School in Pune under the AWARE India initiative. The programme focused on the dangers of plastic pollution, improper waste disposal and hazardous waste to wildlife.

The school has partnered with RESQ to organise awareness sessions every two months, with several students from Classes 8 to 10 expressing interest in volunteering for animal welfare activities.

The organisation has appealed to citizens to adopt simple habits such as carrying reusable bags, avoiding littering, wrapping sharp objects before disposal and promptly reporting animals found entangled in plastic waste or manja so rescue teams can intervene in time.