Wildlife Week: Students, Volunteers Join Hands with Coimbatore Forest Dept to Clean Up Mangarai–Anaikatti Road

Coimbatore: As Wildlife Week, observed from October 2 to 8, brings the focus back to protecting the country's forests and fauna, a stretch of the Mangarai–Anaikatti Road in Coimbatore witnessed a collective effort to keep the environment around the forest landscape clean. On the instructions of the District Forest Officer, Coimbatore Forest Division, the Coimbatore Forest Department, in coordination with TREE NGO and VLB Janakiammal College of Arts and Science, conducted a cleaning drive along the road under the jurisdiction of the Coimbatore Forest Range as part of Wildlife Week 2026. Students and volunteers took part in the drive, clearing plastic waste, disposable materials and other litter found along the roadside and adjoining areas. The collected waste was subsequently segregated and disposed of appropriately. Beyond cleaning the stretch, the initiative sought to draw attention to an issue that directly affects forest ecosystems — the impact of litter and plastic waste on wildlife and their habitats. Participants were sensitised to the importance of responsible waste disposal and the need to prevent plastic pollution in and around forest areas. The programme also highlighted the role of public participation in keeping natural habitats clean and safeguarding wildlife. The Coimbatore Forest Division has been conducting a week-long series of awareness initiatives focusing on public participation in conserving the biodiversity of the region.