As Maharashtra gears up for the upcoming Assembly elections, a unique voter awareness campaign was integrated into the 222nd week of a mangrove clean-up drive at the Karave jetty mangrove belt. Organized by the Environment Life Foundation, the initiative aimed to inspire young voters to understand the power of their vote and its role in environmental and civic issues. 

Dharmesh Barai, founder of Environment Life Foundation and known as the “Mangrove Clean-up Messiah,” emphasized the dual importance of voting and environmental responsibility. “By electing the right candidates, we ensure that civic issues, such as the protection of mangroves and sustainable development, are prioritized. Voting is not only a right but also a responsibility. It is crucial to elect leaders who are competent, honest, and committed to the preservation of natural resources like mangroves, which shield coastal cities like Mumbai from disasters such as floods and tsunamis,” said Barai. 

On Sunday, November 16, about 150 citizens ranging from 5 to 65 years of age gathered to remove waste choking the mangroves and restore the health of this vital ecosystem. Participants, including environmental enthusiasts and volunteers, also pledged to safeguard mangroves and wetlands while exercising their right to vote responsibly. 

Barai inspired young participants to cast their votes with environmental concerns in mind. “Climate change is a direct result of human interference. Combating it requires collective action and a shift from harmful habits. By voting wisely, we can influence policies that preserve the beauty and biodiversity of Mother Earth.”