Home / Environment / Coastal Cleanup: 317kg Waste Removed!
Coastal Cleanup: 317kg Waste Removed!
19 Sep
Summary
- Over 317kg of coastal waste was collected during the event.
- Experts urged reducing plastic bag use and promoting cloth alternatives.
- Waste segregation at home can significantly reduce coastal pollution.
On September 19, 2026, Madurai Kamaraj University's Department of Marine and Coastal Studies hosted a beach cleaning and awareness program at Pudumadam beach in Ramanathapuram district. This event coincided with International Coastal Cleanup Day, observed globally on the third Saturday of September.
The day's theme, "Clean Coast! Safe Sea!", highlighted the importance of conserving marine ecosystems. Experts advised the public to reduce plastic bag usage, advocating for cloth bags as an eco-friendly alternative to combat the pervasive issue of plastic waste.
During the cleanup drive, a substantial 317.29 kg of various coastal wastes were collected. This debris included plastic items, glass bottles, discarded fishing nets, paper, and rubber materials, underscoring the diverse threats to marine life and habitats.
The program stressed that segregating waste at the household level is crucial. Proper segregation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste at source can significantly decrease the amount of pollution reaching coastal environments and protect marine organisms.
