Though the Kaas Plateau in Satara district of Maharashtra is recognised as an UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site for its biodiversity, irresponsible tourist behaviour is threatening its delicate ecosystem, with visitors trampling rare flowers to take photographs. The plateau is home to more than 850 species of flowering plants, including several endemic and threatened varieties such as the Smithia, Topli Karvi, and Dipcadi.

Naturalists and wildlife lovers who visited the plateau last week told mid-day that the heritage site is under severe stress due to irresponsible tourist behaviour. During the monsoon season, the area comes alive with a carpet of wildflowers attracting thousands of visitors every year. However, the increasing footfall has allegedly brought with it a disturbing trend of disregard for the fragile ecosystem.