It is a matter of pride for Odisha that the coastal cleanup drive in Puri will be the largest initiative in the world. The drive is part of the International Coastal Cleanup Day, observed each year on the third Saturday of September. On Saturday (September 21), this year, it coincides with World Peace Day.
The Puri district administration is organising a massive coastal cleanup spread across more than 100 locations in the district and involving the participation of over 7,000 volunteers.
Along with the district administration, this campaign is being financed and mentored by International Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP) under the Forest and Environment Department, Tourist Department, Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC), Odisha Pollution Control Board (OPCB) and The Bharat Scouts and Guides.
Well-known sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik is the ambassador of the initiative. The two-hour long cleanup campaign will start at 6 am with `Signature on Sand’ by thousands of volunteers and taking of an oath to protect the beaches and oceans by Reduce, Reuse and Recycle of waste, especially plastic waste.
Volunteers will be provided with hand-gloves and caps to ensure hygiene and safety. They include a cross-section from the community.
With this initiative, Puri will dovetail into its already operational MoBeach clean-up campaign. The campaign, launched and operated by Puri District Administration aims at instilling a sense of belonging and ownership among the people.
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