In a significant environmental development, plastic waste at Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary dropped by nearly 70% this weekend, just a week after local environmentalists conducted a major cleanup drive to combat rising plastic pollution.
Last Sunday, volunteers collected around 50–60 kilograms of plastic trash following the sanctuary's highest-ever visitor footfall. Their efforts and the subsequent media coverage appear to have influenced visitor behaviour.
"The impact was visible. We found far less trash this time," said CA Rajkumar Shah, who was part of the cleanup team. "It shows that public awareness can lead to behavioural change."
The group—comprising Jagmeet Singh Kukreja, Sharad Kataria, Pankaj Bhawsar, Ravindra Yadav, Advocate Milind Sharma, CA Gopal Mulani, Sudhir Motwani, Manoj Mourya, and Firoz Patel—aimed to draw attention to the growing concern of plastic pollution in protected green zones like Ralamandal.
"Tourists must understand their role in preserving natural spaces. Small actions matter," said CA Gopal Mulani. Pankaj Bhawsar added, "This improvement is encouraging, but sustained efforts are needed to maintain it."
The team plans to continue monitoring litter trends at the sanctuary and is calling for more waste disposal bins and awareness signage in the area. They also hope to work with local authorities to promote responsible tourism and eco-conscious travel.
The success of the cleanup highlights how community action, media coverage, and environmental responsibility can come together to protect India's natural habitats.
Last Sunday, volunteers collected around 50–60 kilograms of plastic trash following the sanctuary's highest-ever visitor footfall. Their efforts and the subsequent media coverage appear to have influenced visitor behaviour.
"The impact was visible. We found far less trash this time," said CA Rajkumar Shah, who was part of the cleanup team. "It shows that public awareness can lead to behavioural change."
The group—comprising Jagmeet Singh Kukreja, Sharad Kataria, Pankaj Bhawsar, Ravindra Yadav, Advocate Milind Sharma, CA Gopal Mulani, Sudhir Motwani, Manoj Mourya, and Firoz Patel—aimed to draw attention to the growing concern of plastic pollution in protected green zones like Ralamandal.
"Tourists must understand their role in preserving natural spaces. Small actions matter," said CA Gopal Mulani. Pankaj Bhawsar added, "This improvement is encouraging, but sustained efforts are needed to maintain it."
The team plans to continue monitoring litter trends at the sanctuary and is calling for more waste disposal bins and awareness signage in the area. They also hope to work with local authorities to promote responsible tourism and eco-conscious travel.
The success of the cleanup highlights how community action, media coverage, and environmental responsibility can come together to protect India's natural habitats.