The International Coastal Cleanup Day was observed in the golden sea beach here on Saturday. A large number of students of various schools belonging to Eco-clubs and NGO activists participated in an awareness rally and beach cleaning operation. The programme was flagged off by District Collector Naba Kumar Nayak in the morning.
State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) member secretary lalit Kumar Tiwari said there is an urgent need for development and management of the 482 km coastline of the State as beautiful and clean beaches boost tourism. He advised the administration and the local civic body to ban use of polythene in the beach. Center for Environmental Studies director Sailabala Padhi said one third of the world population was residing in the coastal areas.
For their socio- economic development, special projects to develop the beaches should be taken up. Others who spoke on the occasion include executive officer of Puri Municipality RK Pattnaik, ADM Udhab Charan Majhi, while beach protection council president Jagannath Bastia presided over. Earlier in the morning, an awareness rally was organised along the beach.