Coastal clean-up in Karwar removes 1,825 kg of waste

The Forest Department has removed 1,825 kilograms of solid waste from the confluence of the Kali river and the Arabian Sea in Karwar, Karnataka, during a cleanliness campaign held as part of Wildlife Week celebrations. The drive took place on Friday, October 2. The waste collected from the shoreline included plastic and glass, discarded fishing nets, diapers, sanitary napkins, rubber materials and other solid waste.

About 150 Forest Department personnel took part in the operation, along with 40 members of the Rotary Club and 40 trainees undergoing Agniveer training. The participants worked together to clear waste from the coastal area. The campaign was organised to draw attention to the accumulation of plastic and other refuse along coastal habitats.

Organisers said the effort also highlighted the need to protect fragile marine and coastal ecosystems from pollution. Following the clean-up, a rally was held from the Deputy Commissioner’s office. A public programme was later conducted at the Vanasiri premises as part of the Wildlife Week events.

Deputy Conservator of Forests for the Karwar Division Antony Mariyappa, Divisional Forest Officer for Social Forestry Manjunath Navi, Assistant Conservator of Forests K.D. Nayak and other officials attended the programme. Range Forest Officer for the Coastal and Marine Conservation Zone Gajanan S.

Nayak, Rotary Club president Dolrich and Karwar Range Forest Officer Kiran Manavachari were also present. The department’s campaign focused on preventing the further build-up of waste along the coast. The materials recovered during the operation illustrated the range of domestic, commercial and fishing-related refuse reaching the shoreline.

The event formed part of the 72nd Wildlife Week-2026 celebrations. Its stated aim was to combine public participation with awareness of the environmental pressures affecting coastal and marine habitats.