MADURAI: The International Coastal Cleanup Day 2023 was observed by the Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) on September 16th 2023 by undertaking a mega cleanup drive at Pudumadam beach in Ramanathapuram district and by creating public awareness on the importance of cleanliness in Gulf of Mannar region.
This special cleanliness event was organized by the MKU’s Department of Marine and Coastal Studies, Marine Research Facility at Pudumadam. “The third Saturday of September each year is observed as International Coastal Cleanup Day (ICCD). This year the day is dedicated for improvement and cleaning of beaches and coastal regions. MKU had chosen Pudumadam coast in the Gulf of Mannar region as its cleanup site,” a press release from university has said.
Prof.Dr.M.Ramakrishnan, Registrar in-charge of MKU, who was the chief guest for this cleanliness drive at Pudumadam beach, spoke about preventing plastic accumulation at beaches and preventing plastic from entering the sea.
Prof.Dr.S.Kannan, chairperson, School of Energy, Environment and Natural Resources-MKU, has said that marine debris is mostly plastic materials used in homes and hence it is important to know about waste segregation, so as to prevent adverse effects on seas, oceans and marine life. Dr.C.Anand, assistant professor, Tamil Nadu Fisheries University-Mandapam, spoke on beach cleanliness in the Gulf of Mannar while Dr.M.Anand, programme coordinator and Head of Department of Marine and Coastal Studies, had proposed a vote of thanks.
About 200 volunteers took part in the coastal cleanup activity organized by MKU at Pudumadam coast on September 16th 2023. The marine debris was found to be plastic bottles, plastic wrappers, water packets, glass bottles, paper cups, plastic caps, cigarette buds etc. The event was supported by Shriram Seva Sankalp Foundation and Ocean Society of India as corporate social responsibility.
