Plastic bags in Rewari forests threaten fauna

The forest department in Rewari has come under fire after polythene bags used during plantation drives were found strewn across forests in the area, posing a serious threat to wildlife and ecological health.

- Leena Dhankhar

GURUGRAM: Environmentalists have warned that the discarded plastic is being consumed by animals, leading to dire consequences.

Local conservationists reported spotting polythene bags littering forest floors, particularly in parts of the Aravalli region. The bags, which once held saplings, were supposed to be removed after the plantation drive was over. Instead, they continued to dot the landscape, endangering both flora and fauna in the area, they said.

Rakesh Ahlawat, a birder from Dighal village in Jhajjar, who frequently visits the Aravallis in Rewari, said, "During my visit to the Aravallis, on Tuesday morning I saw polythene bags at several locations. It is disturbing because these plastics not only harm the soil quality but also end up being eaten by grazing animals. What's worse is that these sites are often frequented by native wildlife, including deer and peafowl. If these animals ingest the plastic, it could lead to intestinal blockages or even death. This isn't just about aesthetics—it's about real, measurable harm to biodiversity. Such neglect only accelerates the degradation."