On the occasion of International Coastal Cleanup Day, September 21, 2024, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in partnership with Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Government of Maharashtra, organised a Mega Beach Cleaning Drive at Juhu Beach.
During this initiative, Union Minister for Environment and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav announced Guidelines for One-Time Financial Support for Establishing Recycling Plants while taking part in Beach Clean-up Drive at Juhu, Mumbai.
"Ministry of Environment and Climate Change will provide one-time financial support for youth-led recycling startups aimed at creating a cleaner and greener planet," he remarked.
He also spoke that the Government and the Ministry is committed to taking actionable steps, pledging to clean Mumbai's beaches.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasized the importance of cleanliness as a service, highlighting the state’s 720 km-long coastline and its potential to boost tourism. He expressed satisfaction in citizens' participation in the cleanliness drive launched on September 17 at Girgaum Chowpatty, which will continue until October 2.
This coast cleanliness drive is conducted alongside more than 100 other beaches across coastal states and Union Territories. This year, the theme for the cleanliness campaign is "Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata," emphasizing the importance of natural cleanliness and cultural responsibility towards maintaining clean beaches and marine ecosystems.
Principal Secretary of the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Pravin Darade, delivered the welcome address. Tanmay Kumar, Special Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Bhushan Gagrani, Municipal Commissioner, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Government of Maharashtra also spoke during the event.
Addressing the participants, Governor of Maharashtra, C. P. Radhakrishnan said that one day of action is simply not enough. This initiative should be carried out throughout the year and repeated annually, as small beginnings can lead to significant transformations. "By engaging young people in these efforts, we are working towards a "Clean Mumbai, Green Mumbai" and ultimately a "Clean Bharat, Green Bharat." he said.
Bhupender Yadav also mentioned that we human beings often forget the importance of cleanliness despite our understanding of resource utilization. "While nature generously provides us with pure resources, our return to the earth often consists of waste," the minister said.
The Minister also encouraged the citizens to join “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,” initiative as inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "By planting a tree, we express our gratitude to Mother Earth, recognizing the dual role of our mothers in nurturing life," he added.
Share
Tweet
