Drawing inspiration from the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, a Mumbai-based NGO, Environment Life, will launch its third clean up drive at a waterfall before the onset of the monsoons on June 1.
The team will also spread awareness of keeping the surroundings clean among villagers staying near the waterfalls. Dharmesh Barai, who initiated the drive, said, “The aim of the project is to keep waterfalls and its surrounding areas clean. We also intend to popularise these tourist spots in the State as family gateways.”
Nature’s bounty
Mr. Barai said, “Maharashtra is among the most beautiful States in the country with fauna and flora, mountains and valleys. The State is home to several popular and majestic waterfalls, which are accessible within one and half hours. They include the Kondeshwar temple waterfall in Badlapur, Pandavkada in Kharghar, Zenith in Khopoli, Bhivpuri waterfall near Neral, Aanandvadi and Tapalwadi in Neral, and Chichoti and Tungareshwar in Vasai.”
However, he says,“While we love visiting waterfalls and admiring nature’s bounty, we forget to carry garbage bags along to dispose of waste. We leave behind a pile of garbage, polluting the environment.”
Trupti Barai, a volunteer, says, “During the clean up drive last year, we disposed of more than two tonnes of garbage. We found that 70% of the trash comprised liquor bottles, 10% plastic water bottles, 10% thermocol plates and 10% wafer packets.” She adds, “Villagers often hurt themselves by stepping on broken glass and their animals eat up plastic bags while grazing.”
The volunteers plan to meet Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) officials and request them to put up signages near local tourist spots with information and instructions to the visitors. Amit Shirodkar, a volunteer, says, “If these spots are promoted as tourist places, it would generate job opportunities to many locals.” Mr. Barai says, “Each waterfall and its adjoining area have a beautiful history. If a signage informs tourists of the history, local fauna, flora, art and craft, it will help in promoting tourism.”
The volunteers will request authorities to place boards strictly prohibiting consumption of alcohol in forest areas and near waterfalls. Mr. Barai says, “Many accidents near waterfalls happen due to liquor consumption. A board banning consumption of alcohol and with warnings of strict penal action will be effective.”
The volunteers will also urge gram panchayats to place fibre dustbins near waterfalls. Chandrashekhar Jaiswal, Deputy General Manager, MTDC, said, “Our Swacch Bharat Abhiyaan cell supported their clean waterfall drive last year too. We will continue to do so under the leadership of our Minister for Tourism Jaykumar Rawal and Managing Director Vijay Waghmare. Their concept is unique and is a departure from the conventional. We will take up with our senior management their request to place signages.”
