2,000 kg of plastic waste collected during coastal clean-up drive in Thoothukudi

The ICC Day is organized worldwide since 1986 with an objective to spread environmental awareness, especially along beaches, coast lines and the associated flora and fauna. The ICG coordinated with various organizations for conducting the ICC throughout the coastal belt.

During the clean-up drive, the team found approximately 2000 kilos of garbage such as medical wastes, plastic cups, water bottles, jute and thermocol in parts of the VOC beach. The collected wastes were handed over to Thoothukudi Corporation for further disposal, sources said.

While talking to reporters, the Collector said around 500 volunteers including students from schools, colleges, local populace, personnel from District Administration, Department of Police, Central Industrial Security Force and staff members of VO Chidambaranar Port along with the ICG fraternity participated in the programme.

Thoothukudi district has a total coast line of 150 kilometres with beaches facing Thoothukudi, Tiruchendur, Manapad and other coastal hamlets. With active participation, the campaigners during the clean-up drive executed their task through combined efforts with enthusiasm and involvement in making the beaches cleaner.

The Collector also said that the drive will be organized every week at beaches with the involvement of volunteers. Such activities at regular intervals will help create more awareness among the public to keep the beach cleaner. The beach goers should have the responsibility not to litter at public places, he added.

Moreover, he said that the district administration is progressing towards phasing out harmful plastics as insisted by the government. Also, more awareness programmes are being conducted to use cloth bags instead of using plastic bags, he included.

Deputy Inspector General, SB Venkatesh, Station Commander, ICG Thoothukudi, said the endeavour of this Abhiyan would be to continuously create awareness about cleaner seas, coast lines and beaches to be free from trash and this could be achieved by joining hands with all government and private organizations towards a healthy marine environment in Tamil Nadu.