Cleanup drive at Jawhar Waterfall marks World Forest Day with a message of responsibility

Marking World Forest Day, a group of environmentally conscious citizens turned a routine trek into a meaningful act of conservation, organising a forest and waterfall cleanup drive at Kalmandavi Waterfall in the Jawhar region of Palghar district.What began as a scenic outing amidst the lush Sahyadri ranges soon evolved into a hands-on initiative addressing a growing concern; plastic pollution in ecologically sensitive zones. Known for their rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes, the Sahyadris are increasingly under threat from irresponsible tourism, with visitors often leaving behind non-biodegradable waste that harms both wildlife and aquatic ecosystems.From trekking to transformationDuring the drive, volunteers collected an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 pieces of plastic waste, ranging from food wrappers and bottles to gutkha packets, liquor bottles, and even discarded footwear.“Over 2,000 pieces of plastic waste were collected from the forest and waterfall surroundings,” said volunteer Jinesh Gala, highlighting the scale of the problem in what is otherwise considered a pristine natural location.The effort, though modest in scale, underscored a larger issue—the urgent need to rethink how people interact with nature during leisure activities.A call for responsible tourismThe initiative was not just about cleaning up, but also about spreading awareness. The group used the opportunity to promote a simple yet impactful message: “Bring Your Trash Back.”“If we can carry food and essentials to such locations, we can certainly carry back the waste and dispose of it responsibly,” said Dharmesh Barai, founder of the organisation.The drive also saw participation from local visitors, some of whom initially questioned the activity but later expressed appreciation and support after understanding its purpose.Small steps, lasting impactThe cleanup drive serves as a reminder that preserving the fragile ecosystems of the Sahyadris is a shared responsibility. With increasing footfall at trekking destinations, even small individual actions can collectively make a significant difference.The initiative was supported by a team of dedicated volunteers including Rupesh Thik and Tejas Kansara, along with active participation from visitors in the area.As the group of enthusiasts continues its efforts under the #PlasticFreeSahyadri campaign, it has urged trekking groups and individuals to adopt the practice of carrying back at least some waste during their return journey.In the shadow of cascading waterfalls and dense forests, the message was clear: protecting nature does not always require grand gestures; sometimes, it begins with simply cleaning up after ourselves.