Plastic bags and material are a threat to the green cover. Both forest officers and activists are trying to save the city hills from the plastic menace.
DNA visited a few hills and talked to activists and government officials. Vetal Tekdi is a good example of restoration of a hill, where people are aware about protection of trees and avoid using plastic. This is not the case with the Panchavati Hill in Pashan or Hanuman Tekdi behind Fergusson College.
“We have deployed staff to check if people are carrying plastic. In addition to toll, we charge Rs100 as deposit for plastic bags that are carried on to Sinhagad. But some people may not be checked during rush hour,” said BP Jadhav, range forest officer, Sinhagad range.
The joint forest management has started checking people on the road approaching Sinhagad to check if people are carrying plastic and would charge them a deposit.
Most green activists agree there is need for many security personnel to take care of the hills. Sanjay Athavale, chairman of Green Hills Group said, “Our aim has been to increase the greenery. Spreading awareness about plastic is not easy. We are making attempts to increase the awareness, especially during festivals when people dump nirmalya in plastic bags.”
