2,700 Volunteers Clear 3.97 Tons of Waste in Coastal Clean-Up
Over 2,700 volunteers joined hands in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kochi to clean beaches, removing nearly 4 tons of plastic waste and debris.
On International Coastal Clean-up Day, over 2,700 volunteers in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kochi united against marine pollution, collecting 3.97 tons of plastic trash and debris off India's coastlines.
The mega campaign, which was launched by VFS Global in partnership with Bhumi, brought together college students, corporate professionals, NGOs, and residents under one of the year's largest citizen clean-up drives.
730 kg of trash was removed at Marina Beach in Chennai. 1,270 kg of plastic waste and lost fishing nets were removed from Juhu Beach in Mumbai. Fort Kochi Beach had the most impact, with 1,970 kg of marine pollution removed, including lost fishing gear.
Voices of the Initiative
Yummi Talwar, VFS Global Chief Operating Officer – South Asia, stated that the clean-up demonstrated the company's focus on tangible environmental footprint:
"It was wonderful to see our staff coming together with over 2,700 volunteers, demonstrating the power of collective action to effect change. Together, we are taking steps towards a cleaner, sustainable world."
Neha Shrivastava, Director, Corporate Volunteering at Bhumi, emphasized the long-term significance of the work:
“The health of our oceans directly impacts our planet and future generations. Beyond removing waste, we’re building awareness and strengthening community-led climate resilience.”
Why It Matters
Apart from recreating beaches, the clean-up sought to create awareness on the extent of ocean pollution and climate resilience efforts led by communities. Organizational leaders of both organizations underscored that the well-being of oceans has a direct impact on communities as well as future generations and highlighted the urgency of citizen intervention and cooperation with businesses in bringing about sustainable change.
The initiative is an indicator of an increasing trend throughout India wherein civic societies, volunteers, and corporations are coming together to fight plastic garbage and ocean pollution and ensure sustainable environmental guardianship.
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