In a commendable effort to combat plastic pollution and preserve the natural beauty of Velliangiri Hills, the Coimbatore Forest department has successfully implemented a pioneering initiative to prevent the littering of disposable water bottles by pilgrims. Spearheaded by Mr. N. Jayaraj, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Coimbatore, the initiative has received widespread praise from visitors.
THE INITIATIVE
Speaking exclusively to Indian Masterminds, DFO N. Jayaraj shed light on the the innovative solution. “Earlier this year, before opening Velliangiri Hills for pilgrims, we conducted a meeting at the Bolampatty Range Office in Irrutupallam, under my guidance. During the session, all the participants, including Assistant Conservators of Forest (ACFs), Forest Range Officers (FROs), NGOs, and volunteers, brainstormed ideas to reduce plastic waste,” he explained.
The team then decided to tag plastic bottles and refund Rs. 20 deposited by the owner once the bottle is brought in. After thoughtful deliberation, they collectively decided to implement this initiative.
This marks the first time such an initiative has been undertaken by the Coimbatore Forest Department, showcasing their commitment to environmental conservation. The drive was specifically targeted during a special season in the year when pilgrims are permitted to visit the hills, ensuring maximum impact.
SUPPORTIVE PILGRIMS
Remarkably, the initiative was met with overwhelming compliance from the pilgrims, as almost all of them wholeheartedly embraced the effort to reduce plastic waste. The appreciation for the initiative has been abundant, with numerous individuals commending the forest department’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
CHALLENGES FACED
However, implementing the initiative did not come without its share of challenges. The forest department faced logistical hurdles due to limited staff availability for this additional duty, which was carried out alongside their regular forest duties. Additionally, the increasing number of pilgrims flocking to the hills presented mounting pressure on the forest staff to maintain cleanliness and uphold the initiative’s objectives.
RECOVERY RESULTS
“Despite these obstacles, the initiative achieved impressive results,” Mr. Jayraj said. A total of 198,000 disposable water bottles were tagged, out of which 167,310 bottles, equivalent to 84.5 percent, were successfully recovered. The recovered bottles, along with snack covers and wrappers, underwent thorough frisking at the bottom of the hill. Subsequently, they were packed in biodegradable newspaper packaging and handed back to the pilgrims.
Comparing the results to the previous year, the officer informed that the initiative achieved a significant increase in the recovery rate, with almost 90 percent of the bottles being successfully retrieved. This notable improvement highlights the success of the initiative in creating awareness and fostering responsible behavior among the pilgrims.
TACKLING CLOTHING WASTE
In addition to tackling plastic bottle waste, the forest department also took measures to address the issue of clothes being left behind by pilgrims after bathing in the Andisunai (stream). To curve the pollution, signboards were erected around the Andisunai area to raise awareness and discourage such practices. “A staggering 3,000 kilograms of discarded clothes were collected and the area was thoroughly cleaned by dedicated forest staff and volunteers,” the officer mentioned.
The Coimbatore Forest Department’s initiative serves as an exemplary model for other regions grappling with plastic pollution. By fostering a sense of responsibility and employing innovative strategies, the department has taken a significant step towards preserving the ecological integrity of Velliangiri Hills.
