Officials asserted that most of the harm done to nature or wildlife happens because of lack of awareness among citizens about the biodiversity around them and how to react when they come across a lost animal.

"Thane's Yeoor forest range has a variety of animal, reptiles, mammals, insects and other wildlife. Yeoor being this close to the city, there have been a number of cases of monkeys coming out and harassing residents, leopard and snake sightings. Instead of rescuing these snakes, many attack it which could cause it to fight back. Similarly, there are different ways of handling each animal, which people living around their habitat should be well versed with," said Sunil Ohol, assistant conservator of forests, Thane.

He added that through this week students and citizens will be educated about wildlife. "We will also be imposing stricter penalties and taking immediate action on anyone who breaks the forest norms or indulges in littering or poaching," he added. Forest officials have roped in environmentalists to jointly prepare a seven-day programme for school and college students, nature lovers and residents in these pockets to make them aware about clean up drives, discuss and conduct workshops on the diverse biodiversity.

In the first of these activities, the department cleared over 500kg of plastic, junk food wrappers, empty liquor bottles, litter and other waste strewn by visitors in the Yeoor forest area with the help of a group of civic officials and environmentalists on Sunday.

Yeoor being close to the city, there have been a number of cases of wild animal sightings. Instead of rescuing, many attack them which could cause retaliation. There are different ways of dealing with animals, which people living around such habitats should be aware of