A bid to bring Mumbai's 'dirtiest' beach at Bandra back to life

In a bid to rejuvenate Chimbai beach, a two-year project has been launched by a city-based NGO, which will not only involve documentation of marine life and estimation of microplastics along its shore but will also undertake long term scientific interventions for restoring the beach that is often termed as Mumbai's dirtiest.

Located between Bandstand and Carter road, the beach is plagued by rampant dumping of garbage and debris. The beach, which used to be sandy, is now mostly rocky due to the erosion of sand.

The project by NGO United Way of Mumbai was launched on Sunday with around 300 people joining for a clean-up drive. Over the next two years, the plan will essentially involve research, conservation and engaging with the communities.

Speaking about the initiative, Ajay Govale, Director Community Impact, United Way of Mumbai said that their aim was to restore the beach in a manner that it not only becomes accessible but also attracts tourists. "We are planning to work extensively with the BMC H/West ward on waste management and ensure quick removal and recycling of waste from the beach," he said.

Meanwhile, it also plans to set up bio-shield in future, which will involve plantations along different stretches to stop sand erosion from the beach. "For setting-up of bio shields as well as carrying out important scientific studies and involving communities we have tied up with Dr V Shubhalaxmi, Founder of Ladybird Environmental Consulting," he informed adding that the project would go beyond just beach cleanups and be more scientific and result oriented.

"Under the planned Chimbai beach rejuvenation project we will document marine biodiversity found along the shore for the next two years. As part of citizen science project, we will involve volunteers by carrying regular studying and counting of sand bubbler crab holes along the beach. Both these activities will help us understand the impact of marine pollution and garbage on the marine species at Chimbai and help us with valuable data," said Shubhalaxmi adding that efforts will be taken to involve different communities living in the vicinity of this beach as we would carry out a survey about their perceptions about this beach.

The team also plans on carrying out a first of its kind estimation of microplastics (small plastic pieces less than 5mm long which can be harmful to the ocean and aquatic life) along the shore of the Chimbai beach.