Volunteers to protect Yeoor

Environmentalists are slated to patrol the protected forest of Yeoor on the eve of ‘Gatari Amavasya’ (the last day before the holy month of Shravan kicks off) to prevent hooligans from organising any parties in the forest. More than 30 volunteers, assisting the short-staffed forest department to keep a watch on the serene hills of Yeoor, will ensure that no damage is caused to the forest during the occasion.

Gatari Amavasya is often celebrated among the staunch Hindu followers as the last day before the start of the holy Shravan month. Since the followers often do not consume alcohol and non-vegetarian food during this month, many of them celebrate Gatari Amavasya as the last day to partake of the same for a month, going overboard with the indulgence in the process.

Members of Yeoor Environmental Society (YES) said that the occasion often attracts a number of tourists to the protected forests to organise small parties where hooligans consume alcohol. However, as entry to the protected areas of the forest is banned, the occasion not only results in a violation of regulations but there are also broken bottles and litter left behind, affecting the serene woods on a large scale.

Rohit Joshi from YES said that the society has created batches of five volunteers each, some of who will keep vigil at the entry points of the forest while others patrol strategic locations. “We are celebrating Green Gatari, where our volunteers will patrol strategic locations to check if any such hooligans have made their way into the protected forest. Similarly, if they find anybody consuming alcohol or damaging the forest areas in any possible way, they will immediately inform the forest guards about the same so that action can be taken immediately,” Mr Joshi said.

Forest officials confirmed that every year, due to their inability to keep a watch over the entire hilly region of Yeoor, the forest suffers damages, and resident participation will only help them protect the area. “Broken bottles and plastic waste cause injuries to animals and create problems for them. It’s great that we have residents participating on such occasions,\" said the official.