Eco-Ganesha: DNA initiates Juhu beach clean-up a day after visarjan

Armed with gloves, masks and more, corporates, celebrities and NGO volunteers gathered at Juhu beach on Monday morning to take part in DNA's Eco Ganesha clean up drive.

With the onset of Anant Chaturdashi on Sunday, the Ganapati festival ended with much fanfare in the city. While the city air was filled with mirth and frolic, callous revellers littered the beaches with nirmalya (flower remains), paper cups, and other waste during the immersion processions.

"We want more people to adopt eco-friendly ways of celebrating festivals, which do not disturb the marine ecosystem or harm nature. With the kind of response DNA's appeal has received, I am sure media will prove to be an important and integral part of conservation efforts," said Larson Fernandes, who runs Juhu Angels, an NGO that has been taking part in post-Ganapati beach clean up drives for the past nine years.

"These kids, their initiative and their efforts are great. Waking up early in the morning and coming to clean the beach says a lot about the future generation of this city. But we need more hands," said Amit Sadh, an actor who participated in the drive.

"I was impressed to see the hard work so many students put in during the DNA Eco Ganesha Beach Clean Up drive. Their enthusiasm was briiliant," said Sameer Sachde, Director, Sales, Samrin Group.

DNA appreciates individual households and housing societies that have taken the initiative to celebrate this festival in an environment-friendly manner by using non-PoP Ganesh idols, and thermocol and plastic-free decorations.

To participate in DNA Eco Ganesha Campaign, log on to https://www.dnaindia.com/ecoganesha.

The award categories are:

1. Eco-friendly Ganesha in individual households

2. Eco-friendly Ganesha in housing societies

3. Selfie with Ganesha

4. Big eco ideas.

The last day for participating is September 30; winners shortlisted will be felicitated shortly.