While the festive season is a time for celebration for people, it isn’t the same for nature. Huge amounts of waste are dumped on lands and rivers during festivals causing major pollution to the environment. Over the years, the government has taken numerous steps to curb pollution like the usage of eco-friendly products and banning idol immersion in rivers. However, many people don’t seem to learn.
Stoping such people from dumping “holy waste” into the Godavari river in Indiranagar, Nashik, after Dussehra, one man named Kishore Patil stood on the road the entire day with a whistle in his hand.
Indian Forest Services Officer Swetha Boddu took to Twitter to post pictures of the man alongside numerous packets of waste which were prevented from being thrown into the river.
Have a look:
I saw this man stand on this road entire day with a whistle in hand to stop people from throwing Dussehra 'holy waste' in #Plastic bags into Godavari @Nashik
Dear Mr Patil, Respect! pic.twitter.com/Q3hj5ggP5v
— Swetha Boddu, IFS (@swethaboddu) October 31, 2020
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Patil revealed that he stays in a neighbourhood nearby and has been seeing the river water get filthier with each passing year due to waste disposal. It was 5 years back that he decided to stop people from polluting the river.
“I stand beside the river from morning till 11 pm at night with a whistle and alert people not to throw garbage in the river. Many behave rudely with me, but I still pursue them not to do such things.”
Patil also spreads awareness of water pollution by asking people to fill a bottle with the river water, showing them how it’s unfit to drink.
“I’ve been doing this every year for five years now. And will continue doing this till my health permits,” he added.
The waste which gets prevented from being dumped into the river is later collected by the municipality.
As the IFS Officer’s tweet went viral, people online lauded Patil for his efforts, calling him a “nature hero”.
I know Mr. Patil from last 12+ Yrs.He does many activity & social act like collect God,s Photo, Murties kept by people near Mandir & deposite to NMC, Creating awarness of plantation & clean India to kids for great nation. Really filling proud and supports him when it is possible.
— Kamlesh Chiche (@chiche_kamlesh) November 1, 2020
Salute. True citizen. People doing what administration should. Hope common and civic sense prevails in people.
— Ram (@Chapatram) November 2, 2020
I salute this Nature warrior. He has really set an example to be followed by others. Every one can make this part of life by not letting ppl make our rivers a garbage dump. #salutetonaturewarrior
— Naveenkumar (@kumar111naveen) November 1, 2020
People should knowledge eco friendly Pooja. With pot and seed, marine food inside inside it gives life to environment better and people spiritual beliefs.
Better educate at all people minds with digital ads .salute to this man 💐— rajesh (@INDIARAJESHH) October 31, 2020
These r d ppl doing real hard work!… Who deserve to b honoured n made heroes.
Strange…. our concept of 'Hero' is someone who Looks Gud, not DOES Gud! https://t.co/hKRiFRx5ma— Anu Goel (@AnuGoel81039048) November 1, 2020
India needs many such self-motivated individuals who inspire others with their selfless deeds. Clap, clap, clap @ECityRising https://t.co/8cAIbaLTii
— SunithaPatel (@SunithaPatelB) November 1, 2020
Not at all heroes wear a cape… This amazing person deserves an award for his selfless action👏🏻 https://t.co/VzvBaB6ndf
— Pramod (@pramod7) November 1, 2020
We hope that more people are inspired by this man to take a stand against environmental pollution. With the current climate crisis, initiatives like these are the need of the hour.