Central University of Kerala leads 700 kg Bekal Beach cleanup

Kasargod: The Central University of Kerala (CUK), operating through its National Service Scheme (NSS) unit, conducted an extensive beach sanitation campaign at Bekal Beach, a prominent tourist destination in Kerala, as part of the nationwide 'Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar 5.0' drive to observe International Coastal Cleanup Day 2026.

The event was held in partnership with the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), the Department of Environmental Science, Pallikere Grama Panchayat, the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC), Mayhoobah Eco Solutions Pvt. Ltd., and Bekal Beach Park.

Volunteers gathered approximately 700 kg of discarded waste during the exercise, including 403 kg of plastic materials. The remainder consisted of paper, glass, metal, fabric, and rubber. The collected refuse was sorted on site and transferred to Mayhoobah Eco Solutions for scientific processing, recycling, and disposal.

Beginning at 7 a.m. and running until midday, the cleanup brought together students, community volunteers, and delegates from partner organisations. Vice Chancellor Prof. Siddu P. Algur inaugurated the initiative, noting that protecting coastal environments depends on continuous public awareness and disciplined waste disposal habits, such as curbing single-use plastics, avoiding littering, and systematically separating rubbish.

“Clean the beach today, protect the ocean for tomorrow,” he said, underscoring the role of civic participation in helping students grasp ecological issues and deliver practical benefits to society. DTPC Secretary Jijesh Kumar J.K. subsequently administered the Swachh Sagar Pledge to attendees.

Speeches were also delivered by Pallikere Grama Panchayat President Shobana T, Head of the Department of Environmental Science Prof. Raja Naika, LSGD Kasaragod Joint Director Jai P. Bal, BRDC General Manager Ravindran K.M., Mayhoobah Eco Solutions Founder and Managing Director Kunhabdulla U.K., and Bekal Beach Park Managing Director K. Abdul Latheef.

NSS Programme Coordinator Dr S. Anbazhagi gave the opening remarks, while NSS Programme Officer Dr Geetha C.A. offered the formal vote of thanks. The 'Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar 5.0' initiative forms part of a broader national campaign aimed at safeguarding marine ecosystems, maintaining clean shorelines, and managing coastal waste effectively.