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Key Points

A massive cleanup drive across ten beaches in Gujarat successfully removed over 51,500 kilograms of solid waste. The initiative was held to mark International Coastal Cleanup Day and involved various government departments and community volunteers. Beyond just cleaning, the event featured awareness activities like street plays and sand art to promote marine conservation. This effort aligns with national goals for scientific waste management and reducing plastic pollution along India's coastlines.

Key Points: Gujarat Clears 51500 kg Waste in 10 Beach Cleanup Drive

  • Over 51,500 kg of solid waste was collected and scientifically disposed of from 10 beaches
  • The drive was coordinated by GEMI under the National Coastal Mission Scheme
  • Activities included street plays, sand art, and plantation drives for awareness
  • The campaign was part of the nationwide 'Seva Pakhwada 2025' service fortnight
2 min read

Over 51,000 kg of waste cleared in coastal cleanup drive across 10 Gujarat beaches

Over 51,500 kg of solid waste was scientifically removed from 10 Gujarat beaches during a massive International Coastal Cleanup Day campaign.

"The effort was aimed not only at cleaning but also at raising awareness on the importance of keeping coastlines free of plastic and marine litter. - Gujarat Government"

Ahmedabad, Sep 23

More than 51,500 kg of solid waste was collected and scientifically disposed of during a massive beach cleanup campaign conducted across 10 coastal stretches of Gujarat on September 20, marking International Coastal Cleanup Day, the state government said on Tuesday.

The initiative was held under the National Coastal Mission Scheme of the Central government and coordinated by the Gujarat Environment Management Institute (GEMI) as part of the ongoing 'Seva Pakhwada' 2025.

The cleanup drive, organised under the guidance of State Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Mulubhai Bera and Minister of State Mukesh Patel, saw active participation from multiple government departments, local bodies, NGOs, Coast Guard, schools, colleges, industries and citizens. Beaches covered in the campaign included Dumas (Surat), Dandi, Dwarka, Bet Dwarka, Veraval Chowpatty, Porbandar Chowpatty, Ravalpir (Mandvi), Shivrajpur, Umargam and Koliyak (Bhavnagar).

According to officials, around 51,541 kg of solid waste was collected from these beaches and disposed of using scientific methods to ensure minimal environmental impact.

The effort was aimed not only at cleaning but also at raising awareness on the importance of keeping coastlines free of plastic and marine litter.

In addition to cleaning activities, GEMI organised street plays, sand art, painting competitions and a special plantation drive under the theme 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' at different sites to spread awareness about marine conservation and climate action.

Celebrated globally, International Coastal Cleanup Day highlights the urgent need to protect marine life and coastal ecosystems.

In Gujarat, the campaign was part of 'Seva Pakhwada' 2025, being observed across India from September 17 to October 2, which includes a series of service-oriented programmes such as tree plantation, health check-up camps, cleanliness drives and environmental awareness initiatives.

India's waste management goals are anchored in the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, which aim for 100 per cent scientific processing, segregation at source, recycling and reuse of materials, reduction of landfill dependence, and safe disposal of residual waste.

The government targets door-to-door collection in all urban areas, processing of at least 75–80 per cent of municipal solid waste, and phasing out single-use plastics.

Initiatives like Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 focus on creating garbage-free cities through material recovery facilities, waste-to-energy plants, and bio-methanation units, while also promoting a circular economy where waste is treated as a resource.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great effort but we need sustainable solutions. Cleaning drives are good for awareness but what about preventing the waste from reaching beaches in the first place? More focus on waste management infrastructure needed.
S
Sarah B
As someone who visited Dwarka last year, I was shocked by the plastic pollution. Glad to see concrete action being taken. The inclusion of schools and colleges is smart - educating the next generation is key. 👍
A
Arjun K
Bahut badhiya! The 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' plantation drive along with cleanup is brilliant. Our coastal ecosystems need both protection and restoration. Hope this becomes a regular activity, not just annual.
M
Michael C
Impressive scale of coordination between government, NGOs and citizens. The scientific disposal aspect is crucial - often cleanup drives just move waste from one place to another. Good to see proper processing mentioned.
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Nisha Z
While I appreciate the effort, I wish there was more transparency about what types of waste were collected. Plastic bottles? Fishing nets? Data breakdown would help target prevention better. Still, a good start!
K
Karthik V
The involvement of local industries is promising. Corporate responsibility in waste management can make huge impact. Hope this drives behavioral change among visitors too. Our beaches are national treasures

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