Home / Environment / Elephant feasts on plastic waste at Karnataka shrine
Elephant feasts on plastic waste at Karnataka shrine
16 Jun
Summary
- Elephant seen searching for food in plastic-laden garbage at MM Hills.
- Massive pilgrim influx left tons of solid waste across the hill shrine.
- Forest officials issued notices and filed cases under the Wildlife Act.
An alarming incident occurred at Male Mahadeshwara Hills when an elephant was observed searching for food within a mound of plastic-laden waste. This occurred as a massive influx of pilgrims descended upon the area for an auspicious Amavasya day. The weekend rush by lakhs of devotees reportedly resulted in tons of solid waste being discarded across the hill shrine town.
This unmanaged waste accumulation has transformed parts of the ecologically sensitive landscape into makeshift dumping grounds. The waste, including plastic bags, food leftovers, and sanitary items, was found strewn along roadsides and forest fringes. Forest personnel observed wildlife, including elephants, being drawn to these garbage dumps.
Conservationists expressed concern over potential changes in wildlife behavior, the risk of plastic ingestion, and digestive blockages. Male Mahadeshwara Temple is situated within a fragile landscape that forms a critical ecological corridor for wildlife movement between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Despite past resolutions to establish waste segregation centers, these works remain incomplete. Following the viral spread of images depicting the issue, authorities resorted to burying and burning waste. The forest department has initiated action, including issuing notices and filing cases under the Wildlife Protection Act.
