Sri Vijaya Puram, Jun 09: To mark World Ocean Day 2025, Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council (SVPMC), in collaboration with Navodaya Foundation, Kachrewaale, INTACH, Break Free from Plastic, and MakeMyTrip Foundation, organized a special awareness program this morning focusing on ocean conservation and plastic pollution.
(To mark World Ocean Day 2025, 6 organisations got together to organise a special screening of a renowned documentary, Plastic People. This documentary was made available by Break Free from Plastic, and the event was held in collaboration with Kachrewaale Foundation, INTACH, Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council (SVPMC), Navodaya Foundation, and MakeMyTrip Foundation,
The event was graced by Mr. Avinash Kumar Singh, Superintending Engineer, SVPMC, as the Chief Guest. Azizur Rahman, Chairman of the Work Town Planning Improvement Committee, SVPMC, and Jaikar Singh, Director of Symphony Resorts, were the Guests of Honour. M. Vinod, President of the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), was present as the Special Guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Avinash Kumar Singh emphasized the importance of responsible waste management and SVPMC’s ongoing efforts under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM). He highlighted the Bartan Bank initiative launched by SVPMC, which provides reusable stainless steel utensils like plates, tumblers, bowls, and spoons to replace single-use plastics during public events. He elaborated on how this initiative can significantly reduce plastic waste and microplastic contamination.
Azizur Rahman addressed the gathering and acknowledged the community’s growing dependence on plastic. He commended the Municipal Council’s initiatives and recalled the Andaman & Nicobar Administration’s proactive step in banning plastic water bottles less than two litres a move that has already helped reduce plastic waste across the islands.
Protima Banerjee, Director of the Navodaya Foundation, called upon citizens to actively support and adopts the Bartan Bank initiative. She stressed that collective participation is crucial for its success and for achieving a sustainable, plastic-free future.
Garima from Kachrewaale spoke about the relevance of Plastic People, released in 2024. She shared insights into how plastic waste often ignored has now become a mainstream concern due to its hidden dangers to human health through microplastic contamination.
The event concluded with the felicitation of the 3R Team of SBM-SVPMC and Team Shubhram for their consistent efforts in promoting cleanliness and sustainable waste practices. Mementos were presented by Mr. Avinash Kumar Singh and Jaikar Singh.
The program received appreciation from the attendees for bringing together stakeholders from government, tourism, environmental groups, and the public to address pressing ecological issues through collaborative action.
