Vadodara youngsters aim to free Jambughoda forests of plastic waste

VADODARA: The next time you visit forests in Jambughoda and find the green space free of man-made ‘irresponsible waste’, don’t be surprised. Concerned over plastic waste ruining the forests and damaging the eco-system, a group of youngsters from the city have initiated ‘Mission Clean Forest’ campaign in the state.
“We started our campaign from Jambughoda forest as it is one of the most popular spots for tourists and trekkers.A week ago, we collected about 550 kilogramme plastic and thermocol waste within a day from Jambughoda sanctuary. We are yet to cover a vast area,” said Siddharth Amin, who runs the Life With Wildlife Foundation.
“It was so disturbing to see even interiors forest areas littered with non-biodegradable waste. People who have been frequenting this forest either for religious purposes or for trekking, dispose waste carelessly. Most of the waste gets covered up by shrubs and remain invisible. Plastic and thermocol waste is damaging the eco-system,” Amin said, adding that his team keeps visiting Jambughoda forests to help the tribals.
“We donate clothes, crayons, lunch boxes and study material every year. Once we gain their trust, we educate them about the importance of wildlife and urge them not to kill reptiles or wild animals. During our visits, we saw garbage in the forests and then decided to act. The forest department too is giving us all the support,” Amin told TOI.
Currently, a group of about 75 youngsters including students from Parul University, members of Canine Group, Rotary Club of Baroda Greens and Shri Dhwarkamai Charitable Trust have joined Mission Clean Forest campaign.
“The plastic waste we collect is handed over to ‘Kachre se Azadi’, an NGO that sends it for recycling. Our next target is to clear Ratanmahal forests of the plastic waste and gradually we will take this campaign to different forests in Gujarat,” Amin said.