Versova beach clean-up gets UN shot in arm

In the 43rd week of its beach clean-up campaign, the Versova Residents Association has not only removed 2 million kg of garbage, but also grabbed the attention of the United Nation's (UN) Patron of the Oceans, Lewis Pugh.

Pugh will now be participating in the two-day Versova Beach Clean-Up, starting on Saturday. Talking about the event, campaign founder Afrooz Shah said, "We have organised a huge beach clean-up and are expecting about 500 participants from all walks of life. We have gone door-to-door in the Koli village of Versova to invite people and have sent out messages to residents. We are also expecting dignitaries such as the State Human Right Commission chairperson justice SR Bannurmath, additional solicitor of India Anil Singh, BJP MLAs Ameet Satam and Bharti Lavekar, deputy municipal commissioner (DMC) Vijay Balamwar, actor-director Pooja Bhat, Subhash Ghai, among others."

Speaking about the event, Satam said, "It sends out a strong message about what a community can do. I really appreciate their efforts." Pointing out, however, that it was the duty of the corporation and not the residents, Satam said, "Residents had to come together and clean the beach because the BMC failed in doing its duty. I have already had several meetings with the authorities." Commenting on Pugh's presence, Satam said, "It is really encouraging that the UN has paid attention to the efforts of these residents."

Speaking with dna, Pugh said, "I have come to assist with the clean-up operation. But, most of all, to thank the residents on behalf of the UN. What they have achieved in 10 months is incredible. I am here with a film crew from UN Environment; we want to share this clean-up with the world."