GUWAHATI, Jan 10 � Callous acts of merrymakers have been transforming some of the finest landscapes of the State into eyesores.
The impact of careless picnickers on pristine surroundings has become a matter of concern as the waste being left behind will have adverse effects on the places for a long time. Voices of unease are emerging, but the despoiling of the land continues unabated.
Wide swathes of land close to the Brahmaputra, and also along some of its tributaries have emerged as picnic spots drawing people in large numbers. In most of these places picnic parties have shown little or no regard about disposing trash. Consequently, the areas now are covered with a great deal of organic as well as inorganic waste.
�I noticed people dropping used plates and glasses on the river while on a picnic to Chandrapur�nobody had any qualms over disposing garbage that way,� said Jayanta Das, a young professional.
People living close to scenic spots have started complaining that a variety of waste products are left behind by picnickers, including non-biodegradable items like plastics.
Because plastics do not decompose, they will remain in the area for a very long time.
Glass from broken liquor bottles and burning embers of bonfires have emerged as other dangers to those living in the vicinity of picnic spots. People in certain areas have urged picnic goers to be careful, but to no avail.
Forest officials point out that glass and plastic can be equally life threatening to a number of birds and animals living in land and water.
�Plastic can be fatal to many animals who consume it unknowingly,� said an official who added that other forms of waste left by picnic parties can also contaminate the soil and water to a great extent.
Their fears are heightened by the fact that many of the picnic spots are close to areas which are temporary home to a large number of migratory birds. Plastic and other waste carelessly dumped in nearby water bodies adversely affects aquatic life as well.
