The Forest squad and the Wayanad Ghat Road Protection Committee have joined hands to step up night surveillance of the Thamarassery Ghat Road to track goods-carriers that unload hazardous plastic waste and outdated junk food packets along the stretch, endangering the lives of wild animals.
The 100-member Ghat Road Protection Committee is now taking turns to support the Forest patrolling squads, and alert them in case the entrance of vehicles from Kozhikode and Wayanad raises suspicion.
Forest Department officials say the vigil is proving to be effective as they managed to track eight vehicles that attempted to dump waste in the area.
Monkeys affected
“The monkeys have been the worst-hit due to the reckless dumping of plastic waste and junk food packets. They now eat food items along with the plastic packets,” says Thamarassery Deputy Range Officer P.N. Rakesh. The consumption of plastic has affected the lifespan of the animals, he adds.
The Puthuppady and Kodenchery grama panchayats have also joined the effort to protect the Ghat Road from polluters. Steps are under way to illuminate dark stretches on the road frequented by waste dumpers. Panchayat authorities say the installation of solar-powered lights will be given priority in the attempt to cover more locations.
Wildlife Act
As stringent legal action has been projected as one of the best alternatives to discourage the practice, the Forest Department is now slapping cases against frequent offenders under various sections of the Wildlife Protection Act.
Earlier, offenders were charged only under sections of the Kerala Forest Act, and they challenged the cases successfully in courts.
“A two-member gang recently netted by the Forest patrolling team, following a tip-off from the Ghat Road Protection Committee, was charged under various sections of the Wildlife Act. They were remanded in judicial custody,” says Mr. Rakesh. He adds that the police too have stepped up vigil in the area following complaints about waste dumping.
