In a unique venture to encourage eco-tourism which will help conserve the environment and benefit local tribals, the Thane Natural History Society (TNHS) kicked off several activities on Maharashtra Din yesterday.

The day saw participants remove plastic waste from the forest range, followed by a session where local children put up bird feeders and birdhouses and planted saplings. TNHS also plans to have a homestay facility with the local tribals, involve tribal children as guides in bird watching, turn Yeoor into a plastic free zone, provide local food and a peak into the local folk culture. Kaustubh Darwase, president TNHS said, "We plan to do many activities to boost eco-tourism, conserve the environment and create some income for the local tribes. As the first step we arranged an event on Wednesday as it was Maharashtra Din."