Mangaluru: Coast Guard Karnataka conducted numerous programmes for the Swachhta Hi Seva initiative of the Clean India programme from September 15 to October 2. These included the Swachhta Jagrukta Abhiyan, Beach clean-up, Swachh Sagar Abhiyan, Shramdan, tree plantation and community interaction.

Various interactions and lectures were conducted to spread awareness on the importance of cleanliness. It coordinated International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) – 2017 across coastal India on September 16.

The beach clean-up was undertaken jointly by Coast Guard personnel and civil populace by Shramdan and International Coastal Clean-up (ICC)-2017, and Swachh Sagar Abhiyan, on September 16. Amidst heavy rains and strong winds across the coast, Panambur, Tannirbhavi, Surathkal, Malpe and Rabindranath Tagore Beach, Karwar beaches were cleaned by more than 5,000 volunteers. Coast Guard Karnataka Commander S.S. Dasila led the drive at Panambur.

Shramdan on various dates and at different places was conducted by the Coast Guard personnel during the clean-up drive. The surroundings at Panambur, Kunjathbail, Kankanady, Bengre, Thannirbhavi, Malpe beach and Karwar beach were cleaned.

Besides its regular interaction with the fishermen community, the Coast Guard also imparted instructions on maritime safety and security with special emphasis on spreading awareness on the ocean’s depleting health owing to pollution. Fishermen were sensitised to keep the coasts, their surroundings and sea clean and to avoid the use of plastic.