Shivalik Forest Div ropes in Van Gujjars to make range polythene-free

Meerut: Viewing the newly opened elevated wildlife corridor on the Delhi-Dehradun six-lane expressway as an opportunity, the Shivalik Forest Division has launched a long-term environmental campaign to make forest range polythene-free, with active support from the Van Gujjar community.Named Mission Prakriti Shudhhi, the initiative is being positioned as a sustained environmental movement rather than a one-day cleanliness drive.The 12-km elevated corridor, passing through Rajaji National Park and the Shivalik Reserve Forest, has diverted vehicular traffic from the old Dehradun highway, significantly reducing littering inside protected areas. Capitalising on this shift, the forest department initiated the campaign in the ecologically sensitive Mohand Forest Range to eliminate polythene and other non-biodegradable waste.Vipul Singhal, divisional forest officer (DFO), Shivalik Range, Saharanpur, said the drive involves a collaborative effort between the forest department, the Van Gujjar community, local students and public representatives, focusing on both physical clean-up and public education to ensure a lasting impact. He said officials aim to expand the mission across all ranges of the division.During the drive, teams comprising forest staff, volunteers, and students conducted cleanliness campaigns along forest trails and in surrounding areas, collecting polythene and other plastic waste. Awareness activities were also carried out to educate people on the harmful impact of plastic pollution on forests and wildlife, and the need to adopt responsible and sustainable practices.