Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 20: In a dedicated effort to keep the Islands clean, green, and pristine, the Directorate of Information, Publicity and Tourism (IP&T) conducted a comprehensive Coastal Cleanliness Drive across key coastal locations, coinciding with International Coastal Clean-up Day. The initiative was organized in active collaboration with various Government departments, local Panchayats, and general public.
To ensure wide-reaching impact, the Tourism Department coordinated clean-up operations across major tourist destinations and high-footfall beaches. The drive covered Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex (RGWSC), North Bay, Corbyn’s Cove, Wandoor Beach, as well as Nimbutala, Karmatang, and Ramnagar beaches in the North & Middle Andaman District.
Commencing early in the morning, the drive witnessed enthusiastic community participation. Driven by the Tourism Department’s outreach, PRI members, IP&T staff, Tourism Safety Enforcement Teams (TSETs), Life Guards, Government officials from Revenue & Forest Departments, and general public joined hands in the initiative. Volunteers collected substantial quantities of waste, primarily plastics and marine debris, which were systematically segregated on-site before being handed over to concerned authorities for safe disposal.
Beyond physical clean-up operations, the Directorate of Tourism used the platform to conduct awareness drives. Visitors and tourists were sensitized about the vital importance of maintaining clean, safe beaches for future generations, while promoting sustainable waste management practices. Through meticulous planning, provision of logistics, and seamless inter-agency coordination, the Tourism Department not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the beachfronts but also reinforced a spirit of collective responsibility towards preserving the delicate marine ecosystem of the Islands.
