Sri Vijaya Puram, June 6: Corbyn’s Cove Beach will be the focal point of a public environmental campaign this weekend as the Municipal Council of Sri Vijaya Puram prepares to host a large-scale cleanup drive on June 8, marking the occasion of World Ocean Day. The event will begin at 6:30 AM and is open to all citizens.
The initiative is part of a broader environmental message focusing on plastic pollution and its impact on marine biodiversity. Organisers have underscored the urgency of tackling plastic waste, citing its growing presence on beaches and in ocean ecosystems. With this year’s global theme focused on “ending plastic pollution,” the drive aims to involve residents directly in frontline action.
The council has called on citizens, schools, NGOs, and youth groups to take part in the effort to help restore the popular beach’s natural environment. Over the years, Corbyn’s Cove has seen an increase in waste accumulation, largely due to high footfall and insufficient disposal systems. The event is being promoted as an opportunity for residents to take civic responsibility for the island’s environmental health.
World Ocean Day, observed annually on June 8, serves as a platform for communities worldwide to raise awareness about the state of the oceans. In island territories like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the stakes are particularly high. Marine life forms an integral part of local ecology and economy, and coastal pollution has long been a concern among both conservationists and residents.
Officials said that the cleanup drive will not only focus on surface litter but also include the removal of plastic from shoreline vegetation and surrounding areas. While no specific target volume of waste has been declared, organisers hope the visual impact of a cleaner beach will serve as a motivator for long-term behavioural change.
Participants are advised to arrive on time, preferably in appropriate outdoor attire, and are encouraged to bring reusable gloves or sacks if possible. While basic cleanup materials will be made available, the council is emphasising voluntary participation and personal initiative.
The event is expected to draw hundreds of volunteers and will be one of several simultaneous cleanups planned across the islands. The Corbyn’s Cove effort, however, is being positioned as the flagship drive due to the beach’s popularity and accessibility. By tapping into public sentiment and global momentum, the administration hopes the campaign will serve as a turning point in local environmental engagement.
