VASCO
The National Centre for Polar Ocean Research (NCPOR) Goa on Thursday said the largest beach clean-up drive will be held at five beaches in the State on September 17.
Addressing a news conference in Vasco, NCPOR Scientist V S Samy said multiple institutions and various stakeholders from the State and central governments are involved in the programme from 7.30 am to 12 noon.
“Students and local fishermen will also participate in the programme, where we will create a beach cleaning awareness programme and also collect thrash and garbage on the beach and we will segregate it and hand it over to Coast Guard who, in turn, will give it to Indian Oil Corporation," said Samy.
"The programme will be held simultaneously at four beaches of Baina, Bogmalo, Velsao and Colva in South Goa and Miramar beach in North Goa. This awareness programme will be to sensitise locals on not to dirty the beautiful beaches along the coastline.”
“Seventy-five beaches have been identified across the nation and all beaches will have an awareness programme on the same day. The panchayats will also participate in this collective programme," said Samy.
Samy said other programmes had been conducted on Thursday, where students participated in a Walkathon between Deep Vihar school and Sada junction, followed by a lecture and presentation besides discussion with MPA and other dignitaries on the awareness programme.
Dr Bharat Bhushan, Scientist from Vigyan Prasar, said the plan was having a mass movement with participation of citizens and institutions.
"We have also had various programmes like a quiz competition on beach cleaning and pollution created and the effects of sea and beach cleaning on the environment.”
“Local people are more caring towards their beaches and we also want to create awareness to tourists as well to treat the beaches at tourist destination as their homes and keep the beach clean and safe, while coordinating with the locals. We have a behaviour change strategy in mind," said Bhushan.
