In a determined push to protect the fragile coastal ecosystem, the South Andaman Forest Division conducted an extensive beach cleaning drive at Collinpur Beach on May 8. Organized under the ‘Mission 1 Lakh Beach Cleanup’ initiative, the drive successfully cleared a total of 86.155 kg of waste, including plastic bottles, glass bottles, thermocol debris, tin cans, and disposable items.
The cleanup was carried out with the active support of local villagers and Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members under the Collinpur Gram Panchayat. Stretching across the entire length of Collinpur Beach, the effort highlighted the importance of community participation in environmental conservation.
Authorities emphasized that maintaining clean beaches is vital for preserving the biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Plastic and other waste materials pose serious threats to marine life and local fauna, disrupting the delicate ecological balance and damaging the scenic beauty that draws both locals and tourists.
The Forest Department has urged residents and visitors to adopt sustainable practices, including using dustbins, reducing single-use plastics, and refraining from littering in coastal areas. Such measures are seen as critical in protecting the islands’ unique natural heritage.
The Tushnabad Range under the South Andaman Forest Division spearheaded the cleanup as part of ongoing efforts to enhance environmental stewardship across the islands. Going forward, similar initiatives are expected to be replicated in other vulnerable coastal areas.
