Despite being a top international tourist destination, Goa has consistently failed in keeping itself clear of garbage.
While there's much and constant talk about the escalating garbage issue, solutions appear to be elusive. From local neighbourhoods to open spaces, even the once-pristine beaches of Goa are now marred by litter that can be seen strewn everywhere.
The garbage doesn’t stop there and even the ocean is being polluted. This has led to a group attempting to try and curb the garbage menace along the coastal belt of Goa.
Coastal Impact, an NGO based in Goa, aims to study, monitor and maintain the marine ecosystem. Their goal is to encourage locals and educate them regarding the extraordinary oceanic ecosystem of India.
In this regard, Coastal Impact will conduct an underwater and near clean up on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at St George island.
Venkatesh Charloo, founder of Coastal Impact, says that the main reason for the waters being polluted is the excess dumping of garbage, and this is not just pollutants from water sports, but also from waste dumped into the sea.
The main reason for the waters being polluted is the excess dumping of garbage and this is not just pollutants from water sports, but also from waste dumped into the sea.
Venkatesh Charloo
Participating in this clean-up initiative will be specialised divers, tasked with retrieving garbage from underwater, which will then be segregated on the beach, weighed and documented.
The data will be reported to the Ocean Conservancy. Subsequently, Coastal Impact and its team will transport this garbage to a company called We Recycle, located in Margao.
In addition to cleaning underwater, Coastal Impact will also be clearing the beach area.
While half of the team will focus on the underwater clean-up, students and individuals from various backgrounds will join in this initiative on land. Their collective effort aims to foster a cleaner environment in Goa, both on land and underwater.
Since 1998, Coastal Impact, along with their sister organisation, Barracuda Diving, has been consistently organising community-based initiatives such as beach clean-ups and underwater clean-ups.
Their goal extends beyond mere debris removal and they aim to raise awareness about conservation and promoting sustainable waste management practices.
So, this Sunday, be a part of this meaningful initiative and learn more about the marine ecosystem. It's a great opportunity to make a positive impact and deepen your understanding of our ocean environment.
DETAILS
WHERE: St George Island
WHEN: Sunday, April 28, 2024
TIME: 8 am
CONTACT: +91 98221 82402
