What started out as a group of like-minded conscientious Goan citizens getting together with the aim of doing their bit to clear litter found on a beach, has now become a campaign with the participation of a large number of Goans. Their mission- to clean up all the beaches across Goa.
"Each and every one of us has seen the garbage problem. It has only been getting worse every year. We've always wondered why the government isn't doing anything about it, but we've never stopped to think. Why can't we? It's easier to blame the tourists, but aren't we also responsible for our surroundings? Aren't we all also guilty?"said Clinton Fernandes, one of the organisers.
After making their presence felt on social media, the team received a positive response and soon they managed to mobilise 60 odd people for their first clean up drive, held earlier this month at Reis Magos, Verem.
There were volunteers from across Goa, from Navelim and Macazna to Mapusa and Calangute, ranging from three to 60 years of age. With their gloves and strong resolve, they were able to clean the entire stretch of the beach. In the end, a truck full of garbage - consisting of items such as beer cans, bottles, cement bags, flip flops, wafer packets, plastic bags, cigarette butts and packs, bulbs, syringes, and even vials of blood samples.
Sanjit Rodrigues Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) also offered the group his support and agreed to take in everything that was collected from the drive at Reis Magos, be it biodegradable or non-biodegradable. The Verem panchayat also helped and sent over the truck in order to transport everything collected to the waste management facility.
The week after that, the group, met at Caranzalem beach where a truckful of waste was collected by around 40 volunteers. Renowned music producer and DJ Aneesh Gera was also spotted at the clean up. "Down at my local beach where I grew up, working on a clean up drive, great initiative by #teamuptocleanup! No reason why you can't start something similar at yours with your local community and mates," said Aneesh on his various social media platforms during the drive.
This Saturday, September 16, the group will meet again to complete the clean up drive on the remainder of the Caranzalem beach stretch. Post this, they are looking at conducting clean up drives at Anjuna, Vagator and Calangute. "The choices we make today are going to determine the future of our children and the future generations. I think we really need to wake up and take this responsibility very seriously," added Clinton.
Clinton's sister, Tara observed that the magnitude of garbage had reached extremely high levels. "Unless we as citizens of Goa get out of our comfort zones and take notice, and more importantly do something about it instead of just whining, nothing is going to change. We have to leave a better tomorrow for our kids. They should be able to roam barefoot on our beaches like we once did," said Tara. The groups current target is to get as many hands involved as possible, and to spread awareness in the process. "We aim to do at least one drive a week. Goa has a 100km coastline, we would like to "uncover" as much ground as possible - without restricting ourselves to only beaches," added Tara.
" When I heard about the plans to start a cleanup crew, I agreed to be a part of it, no questions asked. It was great to be a part of drive, because it felt like we were making a difference. Finally we were doing something about the nuisance that is the garbage, actually tackling the problem. It might seem like a small step now, but slowly and steadily the results will be evident," said Dean Francisco, from Porvorim.
"Many say they love Goa. This initiative gave us the opportunity to express this love. Goa is our home and a home must always be kept clean. We also wanted to instil a sense of responsibility and call to action in our children, which is why we were there getting our hands dirty together for our home - Our Goa," said Jermaine Mendes, from Mapusa.
"It feels fantastic to be part of this clean up drive. I have done a few in the past on my own, but doing this with a bunch of like -minded people is an experience of its own. A lot more productive and fun as well! Change starts with us - if we want a better future for us and our kids we need to do our bit and we need to do it now," added Judith Azavedo, from Calangute.
