Suchitwa Sagaram Sundara Theeram: Over 1.5 lakh kilograms of plastic waste removed from Kerala's coast in a single day

KOZHIKODE: A total of 154,316.2 kilograms of plastic waste was removed from Kerala's coastal areas in a single day as part of the Fisheries Department’s initiative 'Suchitwa Sagaram Sundara Theeram' (Clean Sea, Beautiful Shore). The largest quantity was collected from Kozhikode (25,023 kg), while the smallest amount came from Kollam (6,210 kg).

This cleanup drive marked the second phase of the project, which aims to eliminate plastic from the sea and shorelines and restore natural ecosystems. The first phase was focused on public awareness.

The project was carried out in collaboration with the Local Self Government Department, Clean Kerala Mission, Suchitwa Mission, and various other organizations. An amount of Rs 90 lakhs was allocated for the second phase. A total of 17,884 volunteers participated in collecting the waste.

The collected plastic was sorted and handed over to Clean Kerala Company and Suchitwa Mission for processing and transportation to shredding units. The plastic waste, including bottles, fishing net residues, and carry bags, will be scientifically processed and reused.

Third phase: Cleaning the sea itself
In the third phase, plastic waste accumulated in the sea and inland water bodies will also be removed. Fishermen going to sea will be provided with special containers to collect waste during fishing activities. They will receive small incentives for their participation. The Fisheries Department will then process and reuse the collected waste. Plans are also in place to clean rivers and other water bodies. Discussions regarding funding and other logistical aspects are currently underway, and implementation is expected soon.

District-wise plastic waste collection (in kilograms):
Thiruvananthapuram – 22,951

Kollam – 6,210

Alappuzha – 8,965.6

Ernakulam – 10,916

Thrissur – 14,491

Malappuram – 22,526.6

Kozhikode – 25,023

Kannur – 23,874

Kasaragod – 19,359