Cleanliness takes an upperhand, thanks to ICG
S Vishnu Sharmaa, INN/Chennai, @Svs037
Kasimedu Harbour became the talk of the town on 11 January, thanks to Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The prestigious organisation took up a clean-up drive cum commmunity interaction programme there.
This was done to mark the 44th Raising Day celebrations of ICG. While the event witnessed a participation of local fisher folk, representatives from the coastal Police, Bay of Bengal Programme (BOBP), Dr MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), the effort was in tune with the idea of strengthening ‘Swachch Bharat’ programme of Government of India.
The harbour got rid of about 2000 Kg of plastic waste including discarded nylon nets. Municipal Corporation dumpers were utilized to remove large piles of garbage collected by the participants.
A community interaction programme by the Indian Coast Guard in co-ordination with BOBP and MSSRF was also conducted at the venue. Heads of eight different fishermen associations along with 300 fishermen participated.
Issues related to safety of life at sea, carriage of basic life-saving equipment and biometric ID cards were demonstrated to the fishermen in an interactive manner.
Basic First Aid including resuscitation of people rescued from drowning and use of the Fishermen Friend Mobile App developed by the MSSRF were also demonstrated to the appreciative audience.
He also sought the continuing support of all fishermen in acting as the “Eyes and Ears” of the Indian Coast Guard to help combat any seaward threats to national security.
The participants were given safety stickers to be placed on board their vessels for reference, whenever they encounter any emergency at sea.