Various organizations clean beaches to celebrate International Coastal Cleanup Day

As Mumbai celebrated the Ganpati festival with great fervour, the city’s shores were filled with remnants of Ganpati idols. On the occasion of International Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, several organisations conducted beach clean-up drives that helped clear the shores of Mumbai of remnants of idols and plastic waste.

On the occasion of International Coastal Cleanup Day, Project Mumbai recovered 9,000 kg of plastic and Ganapati idol waste from six beaches in Mumbai. Volunteers representing 40 different organizations joined the Jallosh clean coast initiative and cleaned up the huge amount of waste in just two hours.

Project Mumbai, an NGO, also conducted beach clean-ups at six beaches and cleaned over 9,000 kg of plastic and festival waste in a record two hours. Through the Jallosh clean coast initiative, citizens got involved in clean-ups at Mahim, Dadar, Prabhadevi, Bandra, Juhu Koliwada and Juhu Paagli at 7:30 AM.

Preventing waste from going to landfill, the organisation will be recycling waste into amenities, including pencil cases and benches, which will be placed in public spaces. Volunteers have also recovered a significant portion of damaged Ganpati idols, which will also be recycled.

CM joins MPCB beach clean-up campaign

Maharashtra Pollution Control Board is working with Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata for cleaner coastlines. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has also joined hands with the MPCB, which has pledged to implement new guidelines set by the union government to reduce marine litter, which includes providing financial support to recycling plants and equipment to manage plastic waste in coastal regions.

The event attracted enthusiastic participants, especially young volunteers who joined forces to clean the picturesque beaches. A fascinating street game was also held to emphasize the importance of cleanliness and care for the environment. In addition, an exhibition of paintings highlighted the synergy between art and environmental awareness.

CM Shinde said, “Protecting our coastline and marine biodiversity is not just a duty but a necessity. Through targeted initiatives like addressing the problem of marine litter and increasing recycling efforts, Maharashtra is setting an example of sustainable development that balances our economic needs with the health of our natural ecosystems.”

Siddhesh Ramdas Kadam, Chairman, MPCB, said, “Today’s event has shown the power of collective action. We all need to take responsibility for the health of our beaches and natural habitats. Our youth are leading the charge and their enthusiasm is inspiring.”

Environmental activists call Juhu beach clean-up a publicity stunt

The state government organised a massive beach clean-up drive on the Juhu beach as part of the ongoing National ‘Swatchata Hi Seva’ drive and to mark International Coastal Clean-up Day. Apart from CM Eknath Shinde, several union and state ministers took part in the beach clean-up drive. However, the drive was not appreciated by environmental activists who said it was nothing more than a publicity stunt ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections.

Environmentalist Zoru Bhathena said, “Juhu beach is indeed sparkling clean. I don’t understand why the government has decided to clean it with bleach and throw away its own efforts. The BMC team cleans Juhu beach twice a day. He added that if the government is serious about beach cleaning, it should conduct a mega cleanup at Girgaon Chowpatty.

Stalin D, director of Vanashakti, said, “Juhu beach is regularly cleaned by the BMC. If the CM is sincerely interested in keeping the sea areas clean, all he needs to do is to direct the urban development authorities to install nets in storm water drains. This simple step will rid the coastline of garbage and waste. The beach cleanup will go on forever and it will provide a big PR opportunity for politicians.”

Youth Mangrove Protection Campaign Promotes Sustainable Human Behavior

Over 1,850 young volunteers from Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG) and Swachha Vasundhara Abhiyaan gathered at Carter Road beach to protect Mumbai’s vital mangrove ecosystems. The drive was aimed at not only cleaning up marine litter and protecting mangrove habitats, but also raising awareness, engaging communities and bringing about positive behavioural changes.

Vishesh Gupta, chairman of BSG, said: “Sustainable human behaviour begins with respect for nature. Beach cleaning is not just about removing litter, but about repairing our relationship with the environment and making a conscious effort to adopt sustainable habits.”

Terence Lewis, a Bollywood choreographer, said, “It will be great for the next generation to take care of the planet Earth. You already have this awareness and consciousness towards the environment and nature. You can definitely make a change. The future is in your hands.”

Poonam Soni, founder of global luxury brand Poonam Soni Signature Line, congratulated the volunteers and organisations for their efforts. She said, “Through this initiative, we are securing our future, our environment and our earth.”