Kumta: Members of various organisations, including inmates of Slow Learners’ School participated in a novel programme of cleaning garbage from Alvedande seashore here, on Friday. The programme - Swacha Samudra Swastha Karavali - was led by Khushi Nature Association, a non-governmental organisation working for protecting of environment.

The volunteers cleaned the beach for more than three hours and collected garbage, including plastic waste, bottles, tins, footwear, that weighed more than 10 quintal.

Waste segregation

Town Municipal Council Environment Engineer Nagendra said, the collected garbage was segregated and it was explained to the local people what damage the waste could cause on aquatic life after joining the sea. Two vehicles of the CMC were also used for this activity.

Khushi Nature Association President Anna Joseph said, the United Nations’ Association, in its convention this year had expressed concern over the waste joining sea and affecting the aquatic life. Keeping this in mind, Khushi was working on Ocean Literacy and creating awareness among people. It was unfortunate that there was no specific law to protect the precious coastal belt and aquatic life.

Vice-President Roopa D also spoke. The inmates of Daya Nilaya, a slow learners’ school and its principal Ciril Lopis also participated in the cleaning drive.

Besides, students from St Ignitious Health Science, Gururaj Uppar, NSS students of Baliga Commerce College, Naveen Kumar A T, officials, Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer Mahesh Kuriyavar, Vijaya Hegde and others took part in the novel initiative.