In a first, Yeoor remains litter-free after Gatari

Mumbai: For the first time, Gatari (day before beginning of Shravan) revellers did not litter the verdant Yeoor hills, said forest officials and the Thane police. Thanks to the awareness and strict vigilance carried out by Thane police and a few NGOs over the past few years, not a single plastic or liquor bottle was found in the Yeoor forest this time around, said police.

Every year, revellers from different areas of Thane and Mumbai visit the eco-sensitive Yeoor hills and indulge in drinking and noisy celebrations, littering the place with plastic.

Pradeep Giridhar, senior police inspector, Vartak Nagar police station, said, “Earlier during Gatari, we used to recover discarded bottles in the Yeoor forest area enough to fill up four to five huge bags. Many people come here on long drives and throw empty liquor bottles and plastic waste that are harmful for the environment. Locals from nearby villages, too, have got injured by these broken bottles.”

This year, the police deployed around 80 personnel to carry out vigilance in the forest area.

Three years ago, the police, along with Thane-based activists, initiated a Green Gatari, where it discouraged visitors from entering eco-sensitive areas and littering them.

Rohit Joshi, a Thane-based activist said, “The police used to confiscate lighter or inflammatory products, liquors and plastic which it suspected would be discarded or used in eco-sensitive areas. We used to help the police and forest department to create awareness and clear the litter in the forest.” Mr Joshi said he was thrilled to see that not a single plastic or liquor bottle was found in the Yeoor forest area this time.