Plastic waste is emerging as a growing threat to wildlife in India’s grassland ecosystems, particularly in areas such as Saswad in Pune district. Conservationists and environmental organizations have raised concerns over the increasing accumulation of plastic and biomedical waste in these habitats, warning that it could result in irreversible ecological damage if not addressed promptly.

Grasslands, which are already under pressure due to urban encroachment, are now facing an added layer of threat from indiscriminate waste dumping. Animals including wolves, hyenas, wild dogs, blackbucks, and a wide variety of bird species are reportedly mistaking plastic waste—such as bags, wrappers, and packaging—for food. Ingesting these materials has been linked to severe internal injuries, intestinal blockages, and, in many cases, death. While plastic itself does not directly cause disease, the physical harm it inflicts on animals can be fatal.

Scavengers and predators that feed on affected animals are also being impacted, potentially leading to cascading effects across the food chain. The issue is further compounded by the presence of biomedical waste, which poses chemical and biological hazards to wildlife. Prolonged contact with this type of waste has reportedly caused poisoning and illness in several cases.

Despite these alarming developments, there is currently a lack of comprehensive data on animal deaths linked to plastic and biomedical waste in grassland areas. The absence of systematic documentation makes it difficult to quantify the full scale of the problem. However, field observations have revealed signs of growing contamination. For example, recent studies by The Grasslands Trust and the Bharati Vidyapeeth Institute of Environmental Education and Research have found traces of plastic waste in wolf scats—an indicator of how deeply plastic has infiltrated the ecosystem.

In response to the crisis, organizations such as The Grasslands Trust have initiated a series of awareness campaigns in collaboration with local institutions. Recently, a two-day programme was held in Saswad, involving over 300 school students and teachers. The initiative, supported by the state forest department’s Saswad Range, the Rotary Club of Purandar, and Purandar Shikshan Prasarak Mandal’s Panchkroshi Shetkari Tantrik Vidyalaya, included interactive sessions on the impact of plastic waste on wildlife. Volunteers, students, and local residents also participated in a cleanup drive and native grass plantation at Waghapur-Chauphula, an area known for its wildlife presence. Signboards discouraging waste dumping were installed as part of the effort to promote responsible behavior.

Government departments are also beginning to implement regulatory measures. The Pune forest department is planning a set of plastic control policies for safari zones. Under the new system, tourists will be required to declare plastic items at the entry point. These items will be tagged, and a deposit will be collected. The deposit will only be refunded if all items are returned at the end of the visit. If any item is missing, a penalty will be deducted. This initiative aims to reduce littering without resorting to a complete ban, which authorities believe could be impractical in certain contexts.

Additionally, a plastic shredding machine is slated for installation in Lonavala, with support from the forest management committee. This move is expected to assist in the processing and recycling of collected plastic waste, minimizing its environmental impact.

The combined efforts of grassroots organizations, educational institutions, and government bodies signal a growing recognition of the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution in grassland habitats. However, conservationists emphasize that time is of the essence. Without immediate and sustained action, the delicate balance of grassland ecosystems may be irreparably damaged, threatening not only wildlife but also the broader environmental health of the region.