Plastic-free by 2027: AP holds largest ocean cleanup, collects 76 tonnes plastic

Visakhapatnam: The Andhra Pradesh government has yet again reached a milestone by entering the "Wonder Book of World Records" by organising the world's largest ocean cleanup in Visakhapatnam on 26 August.

The drive was organised in association with Parley for the Ocean and saw the participation of over 22,000 people cleaning a stretch of 28 km—from Gokul beach to Bheemli beach. As part of the largest cleanup drive, over 76 tonnes of plastic were collected.

Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy applauded the efforts in protecting the flora and fauna of the second largest coastline in the country and also in safeguarding the marine ecosystem of the state. He said it was the responsibility of every citizen and the government to protect the thriving ecosystem.

Recycling unit

Parley will set up a plastic recycling plant in Visakhapatnam. The state will have the country's first recycling plant. Plastic wastes from across the country will reach the city for recycling. The company is also setting up of Parley Super Hub and Parley Future Institute in Visakhapatnam.

Ban of plastic flexi banners

In a fight against the use of plastic, the CM called for a complete ban on plastic flexi banners in the state. Jagan called for the use of cloth banners even if it costs a little more – plastic flexi banners cost Rs. 8, and cloth banners cost Rs 32.

"We are taking this measure as the first step to ensure a ban on plastic. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam is already following the plastic-free policy in Tirumala and it is yielding good results. Instead of plastic bags, woven cloth bags are used there. We are slowly taking steps across the state and trying to create awareness among people about using alternative materials instead of plastic. This is to make the state free of plastic by the year 2027," the CM announced.

MoU with Parley

The CEO of Parley for the Oceans, Cyrill Gutsch, and the Andhra Pradesh government in the presence of Chief Minister Jagan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to make the state plastic pollution-free by 2027.

"This first-of-its-kind initiative on a massive scale has never been achieved by anyone in the world. Though this project is ambitious, we will work together to ensure that the face of Andhra Pradesh and the landscape of the state will change in a positive way on the global platform," Jagan said.

Fight against plastic pollution

Parley for the Oceans is a global network of various groups that come together to raise awareness about oceans and collaborate on projects to protect them. They have taken up a war against plastic pollution.

"Plastic is a design failure. There is no closed loop for a faulty material that never dies. We, therefore, call for a material revolution and invite all collaborators and partners to take part by implementing the Parley AIR Strategy—Avoid, Intercept, Redesign," the CEO for Parleys for the Ocean, Cyrill Gustch, said.

Parleys will also set up the Parleys Future Institute in the state. The institute will be a one of its kind research centre with cutting-edge technology for new materials in the future. This way, the plastic that is collected will be studied and redesigned.

Parley's future targets for AP include:

1. Develop and implement improved sanitation and waste management system across the state.

2. Deploy AIR stations—Avoid, Intercept, and Redesign plastic. Over 500 AIRs will be set per mandal and local bodies.

3. 10 eco-innovation hubs will be set up to help curb plastic pollution.

4. Intercept plastic disposal along the coastline, in drains, irrigation channels, and river lines, to curb pollution.

5. Mobilise approximately 20,000 ocean warriors and train them.

6. $2 billion (Rs. 16,000 crores investment) in the course of six years.

7. Provide employment to 20,000 people with a minimum of Rs. 16,000 payable to each.

8. Connect with companies to make use of recycled plastic.