Scuba Divers Lead 450 kg Beach Cleanup in Puducherry

In September 2025, the scuba diving community in Puducherry joined a global ocean conservation initiative by organizing a cleanup operation at Ruby Beach. The volunteers were responding to a call to action by the PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) AWARE Foundation, which had launched an international campaign to celebrate ocean conservation and collective action.

The cleanup drive, held in collaboration with the Puducherry Pollution Control Board and the Puducherry Coastal Zone Management Authority, saw the participation of over 60 volunteers, including those from the national mission 'Sewa Parv'. Together, they collected more than 450 kilograms of trash, including plastic waste and abandoned fishing nets, from the beach.

"While it is usually scuba divers, who are passionate about protecting the ocean, who initiate such activities, it's great to see this mission spreading to more and more people," said Vinod Bondi, PADI Regional Manager (India). The cleanup not only made the beach pristine but also helped raise awareness on marine pollution and the need to preserve local biodiversity.

PADI advocates for marine conservation as a collective, community-driven effort, where learning to dive can open the door to exploration and build a committed community for positive ocean change.