SNC observed World Environment Day on 05 June 2023 with Beat Plastic Pollution as the theme and waste segregation, plastic waste removal, afforestation and mangrove restoration as focus areas. Pursuant to global campaign of keeping coastlines clean, around 3000 Naval personnel, defence civilians and families of SNC undertook mass cleanup drives of beaches, harbours and waterfront areas of Mahatma Gandhi Beach, Fort Kochi Beach, Puthuvype Beach, Puthenthode Beach, Vypin Beach, Cherai Beach, Marine Drive, Queen’s Walkway, Bolgatty and CoPT walkway at Kochi city. Around 4700 kg of plastic and non-biodegradable waste was collected during campaign. In addition, 2 km stretch of Venduruthy channel was also cleaned while restoring about 1 lakh sqm of mangroves along channel’s banks. VAdm MA Hampiholi, FOCINC SNC along with Mrs Madhumati Hampiholi, President, NWWA (SR) participated in clean up drive at Fort Kochi beach along with SNC Parivaar. The beach cleanship drive also saw motivated participation by recently joined Agniveers, NCC cadets, school children and families from ICICI Foundation. Adv M Anilkumar, Mayor, Kochi Municipal Corporation also graced the occasion with his presence. Speaking to media team present at beach, CINC reaffirmed Indian Navy’s commitment and continued efforts towards environment conservation, green initiatives and energy efficient practices. He also highlighted various initiatives undertaken as part of environment friendly month in May-Jun 2023 and Puneet Sagar Abhiyan at Kochi city. He urged each one to adopt Mission LiFE- Lifestyle for Environment approach towards sustainable and healthier future. As part of Environment Day, more than 1600 saplings were planted by participants from different Naval units at Kochi. In addition, community awareness/ public outreach programmes, painting and ‘best-of-waste’ competitions, lectures, workshops/ seminars etc were also organised centred around the theme and Mission LiFE. Other outstation naval units located at Jamnagar, Lonavla, Chilka, Coimbatore, Goa, Ezhimala and Malad (Mumbai) also enthusiastically conducted similar events with all out efforts towards making a tangible impact in environment conservation and cleaning. Children of NCS and KVs in SNC also actively participated in event through conduct of special assembly , educative skits, environmental quiz, seminars, slogan writing, poster making and painting competitions.
