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Volunteers invited for 1st major clean-up of Dahisar river on April 24

According to organisers, both locations chosen for the clean-up were plagued by plastic waste, idols and other religious offerings.

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File photo of Dahisar river
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Taking ahead the citizen-led movement for rejuvenation of the 14km Dahisar river, the first major clean-up will be organised on April 24. The drive will be led by India's waterman and 2015 Stockholm Water Prize winner Rajendra Singh.

Gopal Zaveri, one of the core members of River March – a community-led movement that has been spearheading the demand for Dahisar river being restored to its original state – said the clean-up will be carried out at two chosen locations – at dhobi ghat close to Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and near the Rustomjee complex in Dahisar (W).

"We are using various media to call for volunteers to join the clean-up drive. We want to highlight it to the authorities, such as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the state government, that the river needs to be rejuvenated. We want many citizen volunteers to turn up on Sunday," he said.

According to organisers, both locations chosen for the clean-up were plagued by plastic waste, idols and other religious offerings. "BMC and forest department officials have agreed to help us during the drive. We also urge the BMC to carry out more such drives before monsoon, so that all the waste from the river does not end up in the creek," said Zaveri.

Avinash Kubal, deputy director of Maharashtra Nature Park Society (MNPS), which is supporting the River March, said Rajendra Singh will be present during the drive to encourage citizens to take the matters in their own hands and show that if the BMC will not clean the rivers, the people of Mumbai will do it themselves. Singh had also participated in the river walk organised in Dahisar as well as for other rivers in Mumbai in March.

"The biodiversity around Dahisar river has been severely affected, as the river has become a dumping ground over a period of time. People don't even think twice before chucking garbage in the river," said Kubal, adding that through this clean-up, they wished to bring a sense of belonging for the river in the people.

"Those wanting to be a part of this clean-up can Watsapp their name and mobile number on 8080549955 or directly reach either Dhobi ghat next to SGNP or near Sarita Apartments next to Rustomjee School in Dahisar (W) at 6.30am," he informed.

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