Port Blair, Aug 21: Considering the catastrophic impact of marine pollution and taking forward the vision of the Prime Minister of India and his constant emphasis on cleanliness across the nation including the coastal regions, a coastal clean-up was jointly conducted by the District Administration, South Andaman in coordination with the PRIs, General public and support of A&N Pollution Control Committee.
A Coastal Clean-up drive was held on 20th August 2022 starting from foreshore road, Chatham towards Phoenix Bay in the presence of Mr. Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman and Mr. Ankit Yadav, IAS, Additional District Magistrate along with SwachhSagar, SurakshitSagar Committee also participated in the clean-up drive.
Swatchatta Awareness Team, PBMC conducted a Street play to create awareness regarding plastic removal. Eco-friendly bags provided by the Department of Science and Technology were distributed to the general public. The objective of the campaign was to reduce land-based pollution and litter on our beaches by raising awareness and informing the public about the problems related to marine litter and contributing to the reduction of garbage and plastic in the ocean.
The Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman informed the gathering about the campaign of the Ministry of Earth Sciences in collaboration with the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) which has implemented the Coastal Cleanliness Campaign “SwachhSagar, SurakshitSagar/Clean Coast Safe Sea” from 05th July 2022 and will culminate on 17th September 2022.
He further informed that a mobile app “Eco Mitram” has also been launched to spread awareness about the campaign and also for common people for voluntary registration for the beach cleaning activity on 17th September 2022 which aims at mass behavioral change among the masses with the intension of raising awareness about how untreated wastages, especially plastics discharged along the coastline is destroying the marine lives.