Today, I volunteered in a mangrove cleanup outside the boundary wall of Jogger's Park. As you walk along the boundary, it becomes evident that nearly every branch of the mangroves is burdened with something undesirable. The cleanup was organized by Rahul Kawde from Swachha Vasundhara, who regularly coordinates such cleanups on the Carter Road side. This was my first time and it turned out to be an insightful experience.
Rahul ensured that gloves and cutters were available for volunteers. Venturing into the sea coast opened my eyes to the plight of these mangroves. A disheartening variety of waste, including plastic, clothes, mats, thread, and nylon, strangle the plants. I can't even begin to imagine what it's like to be a python's victim, but this waste is severely suffocating the coastlines. Aking to a python strangulating its victims but this happens over days and months. Mangroves, which are vital to the ecosystem, can't simply be replanted due to the need for specific soil conditions.
This morning's cleanup saw about 75 volunteers collecting over 800 kg of waste in just a couple of hours. Although there's some improvement, it's still just a drop in the ocean compared to what needs to be done. Hopefully, with the NGO's continued efforts and support from environment-conscious individuals, more progress can be achieved. Personally, this was a new experience for me. While on my walks in Jogger's Park, I'd often notice plastic bottles, candy wrappers, and chip packets littered around. I try my best to pick up bottles and dispose of them properly, but it’s challenging to do the same with candy wrappers.
Along the sea wall, the damage to our ecology is evident, which made me more than willing to join Rahul's initiative. He had enlisted volunteers from five to six colleges through the NSS (National Service Scheme) program, a curriculum component requiring students to contribute two hours of social work every semester. The dedication and enthusiasm displayed by these students were truly inspiring. They wholeheartedly committed to the cleanup—an uncommon dedication, considering this is voluntary work and not financially compensated.
In our own personal way, we should also try and reduce (plastic and other consumption), reuse and recycle whenever possible. Our own efforts may seem miniscule in comparison but we cant get AQI's in double digits if we dont work together as a community.
A significant contributor to the mangroves' deterioration is the nearby ramp for the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, which collects and deposits debris in the water. Unfortunately, the Mumbai Maritime Board, tasked with managing the seashores, lacks adequate resources for shoreline cleanup. This ongoing issue underscores the urgent need for community involvement and effective resource allocation to preserve our vital coastlines. If you can help in any way (including your time reach out to Rahul and his team
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For more details or participation, contact:
8879650144 - Shreyas Wani
9769349715 - Rahul kawde
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