Cleaning the Ocean is Everyone’s Responsibility: Dr. Dilish Shashi

From The News Observer Desk

Karwar: Dr. Dilish Shashi, the Chief Executive Officer of the District Panchayat, emphasised that keeping the ocean and its shores clean is everyone’s responsibility. He noted that plastic waste in the ocean is consumed by fish and other marine life, which can have harmful effects on human health when these creatures are used for food.

Speaking at a beach cleaning event organised by the Indian Coast Guard on the occasion of International Coastal Cleanup Day at Rabindranath Tagore Beach, he stated that while life on Earth began in the ocean, it is now being heavily polluted by human activities. Microplastics entering the ocean are making their way into our homes through marine life. Reducing plastic usage should not be the duty of a single department; rather, the lesson of cleanliness should start in every household. We must prevent pollution and maintain cleanliness on the shores.

A cleanliness drive is being conducted in the district from September 17 to October 2, with officials from all departments participating, he added. Deputy Commissioner Sajid Mulla urged everyone to pledge to keep the coastline clean and maintain cleanliness by managing waste at home. Coast Guard Commandant Kiran Kumar Sinha highlighted the need to control the use of plastic products and adopt environmentally friendly alternatives.

He stressed the significant role of the youth in preserving coastal cleanliness and encouraged public participation. The event was attended by City Council President Raviraj Ankolekar, Navy Officer Rajat Kumar, Joint Director of the Fisheries Department Ravindra Talekar, Grasim Industries’ Kush Sharma, Coast Guard Deputy Commandant Vivek Dixit, and others. Students from various schools and colleges, Coast Guard personnel, fishermen, and the public participated in the beach cleanup program.