“I still remember seeing a Nilgiri Tahr trying to eat plastic from a discarded packet. I felt helpless — and I knew we had to act.” – Balakumaran, Founder, Target Zero Plastic

“I still remember seeing a Nilgiri Tahr trying to eat plastic from a discarded packet. I felt helpless — and I knew we had to act.” – Balakumaran, Founder, Target Zero Plastic

In an era where social media trends dominate, and youth are often seen speeding down roads or dancing for Instagram reels, a group of young environmental warriors from Tamil Nadu is proving that passion for nature can be just as viral. These inspiring individuals, part of the Target Zero Plastic conservation group from Coimbatore, are on a mission to protect wildlife and preserve forests, especially in the ecologically rich Valparai hills.

A forest at risk, and the youth who refuse to ignore it

Every week, volunteers trek through the verdant landscapes of Valparai, collecting plastic waste and discarded liquor bottles left behind by tourists. But their work goes beyond clean-ups — they also educate travellers and students about the importance of conserving forests and wildlife.

Valparai, nestled in the biodiverse Western Ghats, is home to elephants, monkeys, deer, and the endangered Nilgiri tahr, Tamil Nadu’s state animal. Thousands of tourists visit daily, unintentionally leaving behind plastic that chokes streams, litters the forest floor, and harms animals.

Rappelling down cliffs for wildlife

The Target Zero Plastic team has removed a staggering 560 tonnes of........

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