Mumbai, India’s bustling metropolis, is not just about towering skyscrapers and the rush of daily life. Nestled along its western edge lies a natural wonder that often gets overshadowed by the city’s urban sprawl—its stunning coastline.
On the occasion of International Coastal Day, celebrated on the 21st of September, Naturalist Foundation decided to conduct a beach Clean-up at Versova Beach, the first of the ‘Beaches Calling’ series in the evening. They were joined by more than 60 nature enthusiasts from all professions and colleges- including Mithibai College and Royal College who wished to give back to the nature. Versova beach, known for its large rocks on the sandy shores is a beautiful beach that was once cleaned up by beach king Afroz Shah. His tiring venture later paid off because a Vulnerable species of Turtles – Olive Ridley Sea Turtles, visited the beach to lay eggs. With this series, we hope to achieve what Afroz Shah successfully did.
Before diving into the clean-up activities, our experts from The Naturalist Foundation shared their knowledge about the state of Mumbai’s coastline. They emphasized the dire need for responsible waste management and sustainable practices to protect our oceans. This educational segment opened our eyes to the severe threats our oceans face and the role we play in mitigating them.
As the clean-up concluded, and bags of collected trash stood as a testament to our efforts, a sense of accomplishment washed over us. We pledged to continue our commitment to a cleaner coastline and a healthier planet. It was a reminder that small, collective actions can lead to significant change.
International Coastal Day in Mumbai was not just another environmental event; it was a celebration of our shared responsibility to protect our oceans. It served as a call to action, a chance for communities to unite, and a reminder that the beauty of our coastline is not just a privilege but a responsibility.
