24/75 ie 32% elephant dung (गोबर) had significant proportion of plastics, revels a recent study conducted by group of researchers from several leading national institutions in #Uttarakhand. There were ketchup sachets, broken glass bulbs, rubber bands etc!
C/O : @shivaniazadTOI
C/O : @shivaniazadTOI
Dung samples were collected from #Haridwar & #Lansdowne forest divisions. Samples collected inside forests had more #plastic compared to ones collected outside. To worsen situation; birds, insects & other animals were found to be feeding the plastic laden dung.
"The study indicates a spiralling problem of mismanaged waste near forests. Plastic ingestion may prove fatal for elephants. Our ecosystem is taking a hit & animal behaviour is shifting due to irresponsible waste dumping issues." rightly says Soumya Prasad, a co-author of study.
Waste segregation at source can prevent plastic from reaching forests. In general, this is vital mantra that we need to implement widely in #Uttarakhand. The waste challange is mammoth across cities, towns, villages, rivers, forests & tourist/pilgrim spots across entire state.
Loading suggestions...