Did Gujarat Really Collect Over 18,000 kg of Waste in a Statewide Plastic Clean-Up Drive?

Gandhinagar, June 6 (NationPress) - The Gujarat Environment Management Institute (GEMI), operating under the Forest and Environment Department, has successfully wrapped up a statewide initiative titled #BeatPlasticPollution, which took place from May 22 to June 5. As per the data unveiled on Friday, around 1,640 volunteers gathered to clean up 12 beaches throughout Gujarat, amassing over 18,350 kg of waste, predominantly plastic.

This campaign witnessed significant public involvement across coastal regions, urban areas, and rural communities, with the primary goal of diminishing plastic waste and advocating for sustainable living practices.

Cleanup operations were held at various beach locations, including Dwarka, Shivrajpur, Umargam, Dandi, Dumas, Mahuva, Porbandar, and Ravalpir.

Backed by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board, local civic bodies, forest officials, NGOs, and industry players, the initiative highlighted the importance of both community engagement and responsible waste disposal.

In addition to beach cleanups, the campaign also emphasized awareness through 37 street plays performed in urban and rural settings across 15 districts such as Aravalli, Rajkot, Bharuch, Kutch, Dahod, Junagadh, and Dang. These performances reached over 4,100 individuals, educating them on the dangers of plastic and promoting eco-conscious behaviors.

Moreover, in 10 residential societies located in Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad, over 450 residents collected upwards of 250 kg of recyclable plastic.

Participants were rewarded with eco-friendly items such as plant saplings in clay pots and compost kits to foster environmentally friendly practices at home. The campaign also included poster competitions, workshops, digital reels, and upcycling contests, which garnered wide public participation.

Gujarat, with its extensive 1,600-km coastline, is home to several iconic beaches like Shivrajpur (a Blue Flag-certified beach), Dwarka, Dumas (in Surat), Tithal (in Valsad), Mandvi (in Kutch), Ghoghla (in Diu), Somnath, Dandi (in Navsari), Porbandar, and Umargam.

These beaches not only play a crucial role in the state’s tourism sector but also hold significant ecological and historical importance. For instance, Dandi is linked to Mahatma Gandhi'sShivrajpur's Blue Flag status

However, a surge in tourist activity, local littering, and ineffective waste management have resulted in alarming pollution levels, particularly from single-use plastics.

Plastic bottles, wrappers, fishing nets, and other non-biodegradable materials have accumulated along the shores, threatening marine wildlife such as turtles, crabs, and coastal birds. Contaminated beaches also jeopardize local livelihoods, especially for those reliant on fishing and tourism.