MTDC, NSS volunteers to take up major clean-up drive on the island; other heritage sites next on cards.
As part of the first-ever joint clean-up drive between the MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) and NSS (National Service Scheme) volunteers, Elephanta Island was rid of plastic and other environmentally damaging debris.
The grounds near the Sethbunder jetty and the walkways, cave surroundings as well as the slopes of the hillocks were cleaned by the students. The cave complex itself is maintained by the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India).
Dr Avinash Dhakne, managing director, MTDC, informs, “It was time such a move happened. About seven to eight years ago, the NSS did try to spruce up Elephanta, but not on such a large scale. For the past few years, there has been a vast amount of garbage has accumulated. The waves too bring in lots of plastic which can be toxic. To control the environmental damage caused, we have carried out this cleanliness drive, assisted by the forest department, zilla parishad, health department and gram panchayat of Gharapuri.”
Yesterday’s clean-up programme also involved locals who, says Dhakne, can effectively contribute to the task of preserving the place. “Once they realise that their own business footfalls will increase once the place is clean as more tourists will then frequent it, they will swing into action.”
Dhakne hopes the effort acts as a beacon to preserving other heritage spots too. “This drive is a pilot project. Thereafter, we hope to clean up at least 25 places in Maharashtra. The plan is to have an MoU or some kind of formal understanding with the NSS of different universities. Despite its merely demonstrative effect, it’s hoped to sensitise people to the importance of keeping these places clean.”
Dhakne also hopes to hand over the baton to the next guard. “We can do a clean-up demonstratively, but after that, it is the job of the gram panchayat or nagar palika. As a tourism department, we don’t have any authority over them, but we hope they understand what needs to be done,” he adds.
Kiran Kurundkar, MTDC, said that the cleanliness drive may soon be carried out at other tourist areas like Ganpatiphule (on the Konkan coast), Harihareshwar (in Raigad district), and Matheran and Mahabaleshwar.
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