Successful Mangroves Clean-up Initiative at Chimbri Beach  and United Way Mumbai

Date,Location,Participants

• Date: 16/05/2024
• Location: Chimbri Beach
• Participants: 10 NSS Students from MD College, DAF Team, United Way Mumbai Team

Introduction:

• On May 16th, 2024, the Debabrata Auro Foundation, in collaboration with United Way Mumbai, organised a commendable Mangroves clean-up drive at Chimbri Beach. 
• This environmentally conscious initiative saw active participation from 10 NSS students from MD College, along with the DAF team, all working together to contribute towards the preservation of our coastal ecosystems.

Objective:

• The primary objective of the Mangroves clean-up drive was to address the growing environmental concerns related to Mangroves pollution and to promote community involvement in maintaining the ecological balance of our coastal areas.

Achievements:

• Cleaned Area: Approximately 200 metres of Chimbri Beach underwent a thorough cleaning during the drive.
• Waste Collection: The collected waste was meticulously segregated into distinct categories, showcasing the dedication of the volunteers to responsible waste management.

Waste Segregation:

• The waste segregation process was carried out systematically, categorising items into distinct sections. 
• The collected waste included:Shoes, Slippers,Bags,Plastic bags,Plastic bottles,Gunny bags
• This organised approach facilitated efficient disposal and laid the groundwork for recycling initiatives.

Impact:

• The collective efforts of the NSS students and volunteers resulted in a visibly cleaner Chimbri Beach, significantly reducing the environmental footprint of discarded items.
• This initiative aimed not only to clean the beach but also to raise awareness about the importance of responsible waste disposal and its impact on marine life and ecosystems.

Conclusion:

• The Mangroves cleaning drive, a collaboration between Debabrata Auro Foundation and United Way Mumbai, was a resounding success with the dedicated participation of NSS students from MD College, Parel. 
• Beyond the immediate impact of cleaning 200 metres of Chimbri Beach, this initiative highlighted the critical role of mangroves in reducing the harmful effects of coastal erosion, storms, and floods, and underscored their importance as a cost-effective method of managing coastal disaster risk.
• The success of this mangrove clean-up campaign is measured not only by the waste collected but by the collective consciousness it raised, paving the way for a cleaner, greener future.