Wrappers to cosmetics: Vizag beaches turn into garbage dumps barely 2 months after world record

Visakhapatnam: Barely two months after entering the `Wonder Book of World Records' for largest beach cleanup, Andhra Pradesh seems to have gone back to square one with plastics and other solid waste turning coastlines into dump yards.

Two months ago, the state entered into "Wonder Book of World Records" by organizing the world's largest beach cleanup drive. Nearly 22,000 people in collaboration with `Parley for the Oceans' collected 76 tonnes of plastic waste on the beach. The world record notwithstanding, the beaches have again been converted into garbage dumps.

Wildlife Conservationist, Photographer Srikanth Mannepuri posted fresh pictures of plastic waste littered all over the beaches. Chocolate wrappers, ice cream cups, milk covers, and major plastic, which can affect aquatic life, are dumped at Tenneti park beach, and Jogugulapalem. Tenneti Park beach became a tourist attraction recently after a Bangladesh cargo ship was converted into a floating restaurant. The ship had run aground during a cyclone in 2020.

Drains are releasing untreated water into the sea. Plus plastic waste is also dumped on the shore.

Man-made disaster:

Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is making all efforts to keep the city beaches clean. It is the general public that seems to shrug off its responsibility in keeping the city clean. "Many organizations are making tremendous efforts to clean beaches and create awareness. But still, many people dispose of trash at beaches and other tourist destinations. All these plastic trash materials are daily use products like toothpaste, cosmetics, milk packet, shampoo covers, and water bottles", Srikanth said.

Srikanth shared photos of plastic waste all over the beaches on Instagram. He launched a social media campaign entitled, 'Do not spoil the beaches of Visakhapatnam'.

Plastic-free zones

According to the GVMC officials, the ban on the usage of single-use plastic started on June 5. Major tourist spots were declared plastic-free zones. GVMC is also deputing civic staff at the tourist spots to ensure people dispose of garbage properly and throw it in waste bins.

"We are educating and counselling people not to dump plastic in tourist spots, and are taking up beach cleaning campaigns. Still, many tourists need to change their minds. We would soon take up strict action if people do not change their attitude towards keeping the city clean," said GVMC Commissioner P Raja Babu.

Plastic pollution-free state by 2027

The AP government has also signed an MoU with `Parley for the Oceans' to ensure AP becomes a pollution-free state by 2027. Parley for the Oceans is working to end plastic pollution.

What are the future targets?

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, curbing the pollution

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

6. 2 billion dollars (Rs 16,000 Cr investment) in 6 years

7. Employing 20,000 people with a minimum of Rs 16,000 payable to each one of them

8. A corporate network to use plastic and recycled material - connect with companies to make use of recycled plastic

PHOTOS By

- Wildlife Conservationist, Photographer

Srikanth Mannepuri