We must respect our surroundings by not littering

During the cleanliness drive near the Dehen Forest Nursery in Mhasala of Raigad district in Maharashtra, plastic bottles, other plastic waste, and liquor bottles were collected and sent for recycling. Pic/Arranged by Ranjeet Jadhav

The Roha forest department, which carried out a cleanliness drive near the forest reserve area of Dehen Forest Nursery in Raigad district recently, has warned tourists against littering. During the drive, bottles and other plastic waste were collected and sent for recycling.

Locals suggested that such cleanliness campaigns should be held at least once a month along forest-side roads to create awareness among both locals and tourists. The campaign was unplanned and took place while forest officials were inspecting the area, an official said.

A naturalist and wildlife photographer noted that Raigad witnesses a surge in tourism during these months, particularly along beaches and forest routes. While enjoying nature, some tourists carelessly throw waste in the forest. This spoils the environment and harms biodiversity.

Tourists must visit on one simple premise: clean up after picnicking. How many times have we seen bottles, plastic wrappers and even leftover food at picnic spots? This shows a lack of respect not just for one's surroundings but also for others who may want to enjoy the spot but have to deal with all the trash at the site.

Picnickers carry what they wish to enjoy on their outing, so they need to carry an empty rubbish bag to discard wrappers, cartons, tins and bottles. They have to be disciplined enough to put waste in their haversacks and lug them to a destination with bins if they cannot spot any at the picnic site.

In fact, anti-littering must be a part of our mindset, and this cleaning up must be included in all picnic guides. It must come as naturally to us as packing in gear for picnics. Waste bins, good lights, signage, security personnel and warning against littering, appealing to good sense will make our picnic spots cleaner and more aesthetic. Beauty with responsibility should be the overriding motto.