While camping in the desert during the Eid holidays, I came across a life- threatening environment for camels because of the actions of some campers.
I went camping on Maliha road in Sharjah, where waste food and plastic bags were left behind by people, posing a danger to both the camels and the environment.
In this picture you can see one of the innocent camels munching on a plastic bag. This can actually lead to an agonising death of the animal.
I feel that the authorities have done their part by providing waste bins near most camping areas. But it is due to the laziness and carelessness of people that plastic bags full of waste are lying all around in the desert.
At our camping site there were waste bins at a distance of about 200 metres on both sides of the camp but still people did not bother to use them.
This is not the first time I am experiencing this, it happens very often. But now it is time to stop such practices and become better citizens. These animals do not know what they are getting into but as responsible campers people must ensure that they do not litter the desert.
I urge people to be considerate towards the animals and the environment. As a good human being it is our duty to do our part to ensure coexistence with the animal world and responsibly disposing of waste is the least I expect from everyone.
— The reader is an account manager based in Sharjah
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