The Roha Forest Division undertook a cleanliness drive in the reserved forest area near Dehen Forest Nursery in Mhasala, as part of efforts to promote environmental responsibility among tourists and locals.
The drive was carried out under the leadership of Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Shailendra Kumar Jadhav, Assistant DCF Rohit Chaube, and Mhasala Range Forest Officer Sanjay Pandharkame, with active participation from Shantanu Kuveskar, Brand Ambassador of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Mangaon), and his associate Umesh Deshmukh, along with forest guards and officers from the local forest range.
During the initiative, large quantities of waste—primarily plastic bottles and liquor containers—were collected and sent for recycling. The drive, conducted spontaneously during a forest inspection, aimed to highlight the growing concern of littering in eco-sensitive areas frequented by tourists.
"Strict action will be taken against any individual found littering or engaging in misconduct within forest zones. Citizens and tourists alike must act responsibly while enjoying nature. The department will implement all necessary measures to uphold environmental standards,” added Assistant Conservator of Forests Rohit Chaube.
Local citizens have voiced support for such efforts, suggesting that conducting similar drives at least once a month could help build awareness among visitors and encourage responsible behavior.
Raigad district, known for its lush green landscapes and coastal attractions, sees heavy tourist footfall during monsoon and summer seasons. However, forest officials noted a disturbing trend of tourists dumping plastic waste and liquor bottles during roadside halts, especially near forest patches rich in biodiversity.
“There is an urgent need to raise awareness among tourists to avoid harming the fragile forest ecosystems,” said Shantanu Kuveskar, who urged the public to intervene when witnessing littering and to report such instances to local authorities if necessary.
The Roha Forest Division spans eight talukas—Roha, Mangaon, Tala, Mahad, Poladpur, Mhasala, Shrivardhan, and Murud—all of which contain biodiversity-rich and ecologically sensitive forest regions. Forest authorities emphasized that protecting these zones is a shared responsibility.
“The forest department is committed to preserving the natural habitat and will continue efforts to ensure cleanliness within forest areas,” said Shailendra Kumar Jadhav (IFS), Deputy Conservator of Forests, Roha Division.
