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Kerala, Veli Beach

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), in collaboration with the Government of Kerala, organized a large-scale Beach Cleaning Drive at Veli Beach Beach on 20th September 2025. The initiative was part of the “Seva Parv” campaign, commemorating International Coastal Clean-up Day (ICCD) 2025.

The programme aimed to raise awareness about marine pollution, coastal conservation, and the urgent need for sustainable environmental practices. The event drew enthusiastic participation from local communities, school children, representatives of local self-governments, government officials, environmental organizations, and educational institutions.

A total of 125 volunteers took part in the clean-up, collecting nearly 303.0 kg of marine litter and waste. The debris primarily consisted of plastic materials and discarded fishing nets, glass and rubber items etc.

Alongside the clean-up, the event also featured public awareness activities and community engagement programmes. The drive concluded with all participants taking the Green Pledge, reaffirming their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable living.

Beach Data

Event Information
Event Name	1. INAUGURATION 2.PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION 3. SLOGAN WRITING COMPETITION 4. TREE PLANTATION 5. HELP DESK 6. BEACH CLEANING 7. WASTE SEGREGATION 8. ASSESSMENT OF WASTE COLLECTED 9.SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN 10. SELFIE POINTS
Description	(1). INAUGURATION - The event was conducted at Marian Engineering College, Menamkulam, Thiruvananthapuram, on 19 September 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM. Guests included the Nodal Officer Smt. Annu Chaudhary from MoEF, the Principal and staffs of Marian Engineering College and NSS District Coordinator from Muttathara Engineering Colleges, and District and Regional Officers from the Kerala State Pollution Control Board. Volunteers were also present. The function began with a prayer song, followed by virtual lighting, a talk by the Principal, an address by the MoEF Nodal Officer, and the keynote speech by the District Environmental Engineer and short note by all the dignitaries from the dias. This was followed by an interaction with students and prize distribution for the photography and slogan-writing competitions conducted as pre-activities for the beach cleanup. The program concluded with tree plantation and refreshments. (2). PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION - The photography contest was conducted at Marian Engineering College, Menamkulam, and College of Engineering Muttathara, on the theme "Clean Coast Save Seas". (3). SLOGAN WRITING COMPETITION - The slogan writing contest was conducted at Marian Engineering College, Menamkulam, and College of Engineering Muttathara, on the theme "Clean Coast Save Seas". (4). TREE PLANTATION - On the day of the inaugural function, tree saplings were planted in the college, and a sapling was handed over to the NSS District Coordinator. (5). HELP DESK - A help desk was set up at the beach to assist with registration, provide information on jute bags for waste segregation, address other inquiries and requirements, and offer services including the distribution of hand tools,mask,gloves etc. (6). BEACH CLEANING - The beach cleaned was Veli Beach, Thiruvananthapuram. A stretch measuring 863.46 m in length and 55.75 m in width over an area of 48139.19 sqm was cleaned. Most of the waste collected consisted of glass bottles and tree branches. (7). WASTE SEGREGATION - The waste at the beach was segregated into categories such as glass bottles, diapers, plastics, tree branches, and others. (8). ASSESSMENT OF WASTE COLLECTED - The weight of each waste category is as follows: (a) Fishing Nets 0.0 kg (b) Plastic 46.0 kg (c) Glass 65.0 kg (d) Paper 5.0 kg (e) Rubber 50.0 kg (f) Metal 0.0 kg (g) Wood 111.0 kg (h) Medical Waste 0.0 kg (i) Others 26.0 kg Total Litter 303.0 kg Others includes, DIAPER - 20.72 kg, SCRAP (METAL, ALUMINIUM, IRON) - 5 kg (9). SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN - A signature campaign was also conducted to show support, raise awareness,advocate for change and encourage participation. (10). SELFIE POINTS -To combine fun, social engagement, and awareness-raising to enhance the effectiveness of the campaign,selfie points were also included.
Chief Guest	PRINCIPAL MARIAN ENGINEERING COLLEGE AND NSS DISTRICT COORDINATOR
Participants & Beach Length
Male	55	Female	70
Length (m)	863.46	Width (m)	55.7522
Area (sq.m)	48139.794612000005
Beach Information
Situated In	Urban Beach	Beach Usage	Tourism
Beach Type	Sandy
Near Harbour/Jetty	-1	Close to River/Creek?	Yes
Close to Fishing Village?	No	Commercial Shop Available?	Yes

Litter Information

Category	Value
Fishing Nets	0.0
️ Plastic	46.0
Glass	65.0
Paper	5.0
Rubber	50.0
️ Metal	0.0
Wood	111.0
Medical Waste	0.0
Others	26.0
Total Litter	303.0
Remarks	OTHERS INCLUDES, DIAPER - 20.72 kg, SCRAP (METAL, ALUMINIUM, IRON) - 5 kg