Surat citizens join hands to clean Tapi bank

SURAT: A group of netizens switched off their mobile and laptops to take up broom to clean Tapi River on Sunday. This was being done under the ‘Clean Tapi – Clean India’ campaign launched through social media network in the city.
Around 400 volunteers associated with the movement gathered at Navdi Ovara on bank of river Tapi in Nanpura for cleaning it.The young volunteers who came with banners and brooms, stepped into thick muck on river bank to remove plastic and waste. Wearing T-shirts with message of ‘Clean Tapi – Clean India’, the participants carried out the cleaning work with a city-based rock band ‘Antrikh’ playing live music.
A group of volunteers went into two boat and spread the banners with clean Tapi message. The activity generated excitement among the citizen who gathered at the spot to take look.
Students of fine arts made a graffiti painting on walls at Navdi Ovara. A group of young amateur photographer contributed by visually documenting the activities.
“When started on social media it was not expected that so many people will participate. Without any political association common citizens came to support the cause,” said Monil Thakar, a youth BJP leader.
“The biggest challenge is to continue the campaign. We are replicated the same on different banks of Tapi river. Waste will spread in the area again if no proper care is taken by people and authorities,” said Harsh Sanghvi, BJP MLA from city.