Visakhapatnam: International Coastal Clean-up Day was observed by Eastern Naval Command (ENC) along with citizens of the Port City on Saturday. A massive clean-up drive was held along all the prominent beaches and water-fronts of the city. The drive was inaugurated by ENC chief vice-admiral HCS Bisht at RK Beach.
Senior officers from ENC, along with officials from the district administration, GVMC, local NGOs, Public Sector Undertakings, academic institutions and Indian Coast Guard participated in the event. The event covered large areas widely spread all along the coast of the city and outskirts covering RK Beach, Tenneti Park, Rushikonda Beach, Kalinga Beach and Yarada Beach. Two major naval units also undertook clean-up drive near Double Bridge and inside Naval Dockyard.
Speaking on the occasion, vice-admiral Bisht complemented the citizens of Vizag for coming forward for the noble cause. He also specially complemented the initiatives of the GVMC in making Visakhapatnam a clean and green city and for getting the Smart City status for the City of Destiny. With the theme 'Fighting for Trash Free Seas', the drive also intended to inculcate among the general populace the necessity of keeping the beaches clean and of safeguarding the environment.
The naval community represented by over 3,000 personnel consisting of officers, men, ladies and children from various units of ENC and Indian Coast Guard along with 2,000 citizens of Vizag including the Consumer Protection Council, Lion's Club of Visakhapatnam, NSS Wing of Andhra University, Papa Home, Century Club, HSL Scout crew, Oxford School and Human Rights Association undertook the clean-up drive.
Meanwhile, as part of the international coastal clean-up campaign, IIC Technologies Ltd, Visakhapatnam IT Park Rushikonda, also took part in this event. Over 70 employees of the company and volunteers from Vambay Colony, Madhurawada, cleaned up a stretch of 15 km from Rushikonda to Bheemili. Over 500 kg of garbage was collected and disposed of in the GVMC bins by the teams. "Ocean trash is one of the serious pollution problems choking the planet. A rising tide of marine debris threatens human health, wildlife, marine life, communities and economies around the world. Therefore, periodic clean up drive is necessary and important," Col Mani Kumar, general manager and centre head of IIC Technologies Ltd, said.
