CHENNAI: The Marina was a scene of frenzied activity on Saturday morning; Not different from any other morning except for the fact that those who had gathered there were there to pitchfork litter into bio-degradable bags. Organised by the Indian Maritime Foundation (IMF), the International Coastal Cleanup started at the Marina Beach at 6.45 am and went on till noon. Each group was divided into blocks, with coordinators for each.A total of 25 blocks were cleaned while the remaining five blocks were slated for a cleanup on September 10. Vice President of IMF Chennai, Admiral Srinivasan, recounted the foundation’s activities since the time it had begun work in Chennai. Particularly pleased at the previous year’s results, he pointed out that India had moved from being No 14 to number four in the world order. They managed to cover 207 kms in 21 blocks with 3,200 volunteers and removed 48 tonnes of marine debris in 2010. This September, the IMF Chennai has planned to cover 300 kms across 30 blocks, with 3,500 dedicated volunteers, and over 15,000 public supporters. In Chennai, an attempt will be made for the first time to clean the Adyar and Cooum rivers, with the help of volunteers and fishermen.Biotech bags, which have been used extensively in Chennai Airport made their debut on Chennai’s beaches as they were used to collect the rubbish brought in. Jennifer Mccintyre, American Consul General highlighted the fact that the event was being done in conjunction with the US Conservancy, which initiated the movement 25 years ago and was happy it was being done in Chennai. Actor and comedian Vivekh and Mylapore MLA Rajalakshmi were both present in the morning and flagged off the students and volunteers. The guests distributed the cleaning kits with safety gear to the volunteers. State Minister for Environment T K M Chinnaiya spoke about the importance of the Coastal Clean Up programme and commended the foundation for its sustained efforts in running the programme year after year. KP Munusamy, Minister for Local Administration, spoke about the efforts Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was taking to make the city clean by 2015.
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