Plastic waste, liquor bottles removed from drinking water source in Ooty

UDHAGAMANDALAMPlastic waste, liquor bottles and other litter was removed by volunteers and naturalis

Plastic waste, liquor bottles and other litter was removed by volunteers and naturalists from the Tiger Hill Reservoir, an important water source that is maintained by the Udhagamandalam Municipality.

The naturalists, who had visited the reservoir following the filming of a movie at the site, said they had received reports that the area was being frequented by locals and tourists who were using it as a ‘drinking’ spot.

“After they finish drinking, the bottles and other waste are thrown into the reservoir, the surroundings of which are an important wildlife area, known to be home to a variety of large carnivores and herbivores,” said N. Sadiq Ali, Founder of the Wildlife and Nature Conservation Trust (WNCT).

The volunteers removed bags of trash, primarily plastic waste and discarded liquor bottles from the area. They expressed concern that continued littering in the area could pose a risk to wildlife that may accidentally ingest the items.

There have also been calls from naturalists, including the WNCT that the Tiger Hill Reservoir, spread over 600 acres, be handed over to the Forest Department for better maintenance and protection. However, the municipality denied such requests stating that the transfer of the land would not be possible as the reservoir served as an important water source for parts of Udhagamandalam Municipality.

“The municipality can hand over the surrounding forests to the Forest Department, and maintain control of the water body instead,” suggested Mr. Sadiq.

The Nilgiri Natural History Society (NNHS) has also written to Collector S.P. Amrith urging him to clean up public spaces of ecological importance, including Tiger Hill Reservoir.