On Earth Day, Pokemon Go players clean Besant Nagar beach

Stating that the players of the game who meet up regularly for raids decided to make use of the occasion to come together for a cause, Xavier Joseph, one of the organisers of the event said, “The whole reason why this game became popular one-and-a-half- years ago was because of its unique nature in helping people socialise. Members of the community have formed groups across the city, with its main group in Anna Nagar.”

While the socialisation bit has proven to be successful, the developers of the game decided to take it to the next level and organise a worldwide event, he said. “This was not just for Pokemon Go players, but it was open to all. If the worldwide count reaches over 1,500 to 3,000 people, there will be special rewards that will be unlocked in the game,” he added.

World Earth Day was the best opportunity. “It was essential for the community to be associated with an NGO to sign up for this event. An NGO called Centre for Action, research on Environment Science and Society agreed to sponsor us, owing to the fact that Vineetha, who handles the NGO, was part of the Pokemon Go team. She sponsored us for the event – supplied us with a lot of equipment like handbags, handwash and gloves required for the clean-up,” added Xavier.

This team in the country to register for the event. With around 40 members, the activity was undertaken and around 650 kg waste was collected and later segregated. “It was a new initiative and completely different from what I have seen before. We found things like slippers and beer bottles littered on the beach. I think a person who takes part in such events will refrain from littering further,” said Rajeswaran Sankar, one of the participants.