Though the Kaas Plateau in Satara district is recognised as an UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site for its biodiversity, irresponsible tourist behaviour is threatening its 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.

During the monsoon, the area comes alive with a carpet of wildflowers attracting thousands of visitors every year. Visitors and environmentalists have flagged tourist behaviour like plucking flowers, trampling delicate plant mats, and even sitting in the middle of blooming patches.