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.