In a significant move to combat the flow of waste into the ocean, the Mangrove Division of South Konkan, Alibaug, announced plans for the installation of waste trapping nets at every opening of a creek in Panvel and Uran Talukas.

The announcement was made by Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) and Range Forest Officer (RFO) during a recent cleanliness drive held in Kharghar. The cleanliness initiative, carried out at waterbody in Sector 10, Kharghar, was led by DFO Kanchan Pawar and RFO Sameer Shinde, along with other members of the Mangrove Foundation, including environmental activists, volunteers, and local organizations.

The drive saw the active participation of 92 individuals, including representatives from Aga Khan Foundation, Plogger group, NSS students from Saraswati College, and members of the Environment Life Foundation.

In addition to the waste trapping nets, the Mangrove Department outlined plans to introduce various programs to promote eco-tourism and support livelihoods through sustainable practices in the region. DFO Kanchan Pawar emphasized that selected entry points to the mangroves and creeks in Panvel and Uran Talukas will be targeted for waste management efforts. These points will be monitored and waste collection will be facilitated.

The strategy includes awareness programs spearheaded by NGOs, manual waste collection, and the installation of waste-trapping nets at strategic entry points to the creeks. Coordination with local municipal corporations and gram panchayats will also be established to ensure regular garbage collection.

“We aim to protect, preserve, restore, and enrich our coastal areas, with a focus on conserving the mangrove ecosystem, which is one of the most valuable biodiversity resources within our reach. Additionally, we plan to promote the livelihood of coastal communities through eco-tourism and sustainable practices,” said DFO Kanchan Pawar.