Mangaluru (The Hindu): When they cleaned Koodlu Theertha falls area near Agumbe a month ago, the activists collected bottles in 13 sacks

It is not cleaning the roads or wards, but the Western Ghats. In their continued effort to clean the Ghats of bottles and plastic, green activists this time have chosen ‘gadai kallu’ or Jamalabad Fort near Belthangady for the venture on February 14.

About 38 activists of Sahyadri Sanchaya, a registered body of green activists, would pick up bottles, plastic and other materials thrown by tourists and trekkers there in the forenoon, according to Dinesh Holla, a convener of the sanchaya.

When they cleaned Koodlu Theertha falls area near Agumbe a month ago, the activists collected bottles in 13 sacks, said Mr. Holla.

He said initially forest officials said there was no need to clean the falls area as its staff had kept it clean. But the activists collected the bottles from bushes in the vicinity.

Mr. Holla said the next place of course action would be Kumara Parvatha, Kodachadri and Kudremukh. Earlier, the activists had cleaned Bisle Ghat area covering Kannadi Kallu Betta and Yesaluru forest range, Charmadi area covering Somana Nadu, Aaniyoor valley, Kadamagundi and Yerumai falls area.

He said this time, the activists have been documenting the activity taken up through videos and photographs.

After compiling it would be submitted to both the State and Union governments to make the government understand the gravity of tourists, trekkers and others polluting the Western Ghats and water sources.

Mr. Holla said the government should take this aspect seriously and implement control measures through forest department.

It could impose a fine of at least Rs. 500 at a time on those who threw plastic and bottles in the Western Ghats.

It should make it mandatory that all trekkers and tourists visiting identified spots in the Western Ghats should go with a forest department guard. On the other hand, trekkers and tourists should understand that it was their first responsibility not to pollute the water sources and forest area.

Throwing bottles and plastic in forest leads to multiple complications not only to wild animals, ecology but those who consume river, stream water downstream.

He said the activists, students have been cleaning the Western Ghats on given days since past three years.

It has now prompted some activist in Bengaluru and Chikkaballapura to launch similar activity in their area.

Photo credit: The Hindu