What is the threat posed by plastic waste to grassland animals in Pune?

Plastic waste, including bags, bottles, and packaging, is being mistaken for food by animals like wolves, hyenas, and blackbucks in the grasslands of Pune, leading to severe injuries, intestinal blockages, and even death.

What is the long-term impact of plastic waste on the grassland ecosystem in Pune?

Experts warn that without swift intervention, the damage caused by plastic pollution to grassland species like wolves, a keystone species, could become irreversible, threatening the entire ecosystem.

Home / Environment / Plastic Pollution Imperils Grassland Wildlife in Pune

Plastic Pollution Imperils Grassland Wildlife in Pune

Q: How are conservationists and authorities responding to the plastic pollution crisis in Pune's grasslands?

The Grasslands Trust, local authorities, and the Pune forest department are working together to implement strict waste management policies, raise awareness among communities, and conduct cleanup drives to address the growing threat.

18 Aug

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Summary

Plastic waste endangering wolves, hyenas, and other grassland species
Experts warn damage could become irreversible without swift action
Awareness campaigns and cleanup drives underway to address the crisis

Plastic Pollution Imperils Grassland Wildlife in Pune

As of 2025-08-18T06:24:53+00:00, experts and conservationists are raising the alarm over the growing threat of plastic waste to wild animals in the grasslands of Pune district. According to the report, species such as wolves, hyenas, wild dogs, and blackbucks are increasingly mistaking discarded plastic bags, bottles, and packaging for food, leading to severe injuries, intestinal blockages, and even death.

The situation is particularly dire in the Saswad region, where rapid urbanization and unsegregated waste dumping have exacerbated the problem over the last seven to eight years. Predators and scavengers feeding on the affected animals are also at risk. While plastic waste does not directly cause disease, it can lead to fatal intestinal blockages in the animals.

In response, The Grasslands Trust, a local conservation organization, has been working closely with the animal husbandry department, gram panchayats, and the state forest department to implement strict waste management policies and raise awareness among villagers and school students. Recent efforts have included a two-day awareness program, a plastic waste cleanup drive, and the installation of signage to discourage dumping in wildlife-rich areas.

The Pune forest department is also planning to introduce plastic regulations for safari tourists, requiring them to declare and return any plastic items brought into the area. Additionally, a plastic shredding machine is set to be installed in Lonavala with the help of the forest management committee.

Experts warn that without swift and coordinated intervention, the damage to grassland ecosystems could become irreversible. The situation underscores the urgent need to address the growing plastic pollution crisis and its impact on vulnerable wildlife populations.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.