Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 12 May 2025
India Tourism (Sri Vijaya Puram), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in collaboration with the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) and Kachrewaale Foundation, organised a beach cleanup drive at Bharatpur Beach in Shaheed Dweep on Friday, under the ongoing national cleanliness campaign. The initiative aimed to promote sustainability and responsible tourism in the islands.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from a wide range of stakeholders, including members of the local panchayat (PRI), tourism professionals, Makruzz staff, lifeguards, volunteers, and visiting tourists. Together, they undertook efforts to restore and maintain the pristine beauty of one of Shaheed Dweep’s most frequented beaches.
Addressing the participants, Mr. N. Velmurugan, Assistant Director of India Tourism, highlighted the significance of community-led cleanliness drives in preserving the ecological integrity of the Andaman Islands. He also underlined the role of such initiatives in enhancing the overall tourism experience.
AATO President Mr. M. Vinod expressed his appreciation to India Tourism, the Kachrewaale Foundation, and all volunteers involved in the drive. He reaffirmed AATO’s commitment to working collaboratively with government agencies and civil society groups to advance sustainable tourism practices in the region.
Ms. Garima Poonia of Kachrewaale Foundation shared details of the organisation’s waste management approach, noting that all non-recyclable waste collected during the drive would be transported to the mainland for proper disposal. She emphasized the Foundation’s pledge to ensure zero local dumping, thereby contributing to more responsible tourism and waste management models in the islands.
The cleanup concluded with a strong message of environmental stewardship and community collaboration, reinforcing the collective commitment of all partners to protect and preserve the islands’ natural heritage.