Indian Navy, ICG standup for coastal cleanliness
S Vishnu Sharmaa, INN/Chennai, @infodeaofficial
The coastal parts of Chennai have witnessed cleaning activity on 21 September, thanks to Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard.
Cleanliness is a prized asset we have and Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard worked for clean surroundings to mark International Coastal Cleanup Day.
Personnel of Indian Navy from Headquarters Tamilnadu and Puducherry Naval Area organised a beach cleanup drive from 7 to 9 am on 21 September. More than 300 naval personnel ventured to the beach front at north of Cooum to take up the cleanliness drive.
A large amount of waste material comprising plastic and other non- biodegradable items were removed from the beach during the cleanup activity. Indian Navy reiterated its commitment to all activities pertaining to the preservation and protection of environment and mitigation of all forms of pollution.
While naval personnel worked for cleanliness on the north of Cooum, Indian Coast Guard worked for the same at Elliots Beach. The theme for the Coast Guard’s drive was ‘Strive for for Trash Free Seas and Coasts.’
More than 1000 personnel from Coast Guard and other establishments like NIOT, NCRR and NGOs, schools and colleges took part in the drive.
Inspector General S Paramesh, Commander, Coast Guard (region East) emphasized on keeping coastal areas, especially the beaches in a clean and hygienic condition.
He also exhorted the gathering to exercise self-restraint in the usage of plastic and non-biodegradable items and its scientific disposal.
During the clean-up drive 900 kgs of non-biodegradable waste were collected and handed over to the municipal authorities for proper disposal.
The opportunity was utilised to create awareness on environmental protection and proper disposal of waste amongst the local populace and students.
The data collected would help to keep a track on the types of debris commonly found at Chennai Beaches and assist the Government in formulating policies to reduce them.