`Clear Coasts Campaign': IYFS launches drive to rid Rushikonda beach of trash

Visakhapatnam: India Youth for Society (IYFS) launched a six-month 'Clear Coasts Campaign' at Rushikonda Beach in Vizag city.

More than 20 BBA students of Gayatri Degree College, Vizag, and the members of IYFS participated.

President, India Youth for Society, Appala Reddy Yendreddi said that the main aim of the Clear Coasts Campaign is to create awareness among the people about marine littering and plastic pollution.

It is also aimed to educate the public, fishermen, and tourists, about the growing trash in the blue waters. Of course, the campaign is to demonstrate awareness by cleaning the coastline of Visakhapatnam every day for the next six months.

"Our campaign is developed with the 4C concept(Coastal Clean-up, Citizens Participation, Promotion of Cotton and Jute Bags and Collection of dry waste from source level)for saving marine species by preventing the trash and plastic pollution in the seas," Appala Reddy Yendreddi added.

In India, improper handling of solid waste and littering by citizens make the rivers and oceans completely polluted with plastics and other substances. Marine littering is seen everywhere on the east and west coasts.

As per reports, India generates 26000 tons of plastics each day, and 60% of these floats into the seas. Visakhapatnam coast is much polluted, IYFS said.

Sudha, a resident of the Rushikodna area shared her concern and IYFS immediately launched a drive on Monday. IYFS assured her that the IT Sez area will be cleaned in five days.

She told IYFS that roads and beaches are filled with plastics, liquor bottles, and trash.