Speak up Mumbai | Versova clean up: Slow & steady won the race

From being one of the dirtiest beaches in the city to being hailed by the United Nations for the world's largest community beach clean up drive, Versova Beach on March 22 became home to Olive Ridley Sea Turtle hatchlings after 20 years.

The news has borne fruit to the 128 weeks of efforts by environmentalists, activists, and volunteers of the clean up movement led by Versova-based lawyer Afroz Shaikh. Moreover, the event has made the case for cleaner and marine-friendly beaches stronger. It has brought back the hope that if efforts are made to maintain proper conditions, not just Versova Beach but many beaches could be chosen by the endangered species for nesting in the future.

Environmentalists, citizen groups, politicians and several government officials are now hailing the undeterred efforts of Shaikh and his team, who over the course of their movement have successfully rid the beach of 14 million kg of plastic and other pollutant waste.

With this success, several active residents across the city are demanding for a similar model to be earnestly applied for the rejuvenation of other beaches of Mumbai as well.

VOICES

Cleanliness is next to Godliness and when we clean our homes it is said that god comes in. Nature respects us when we respect it. Cleaning the beach is the way to show nature that we respect it and finally we saw how nature returned the Ridley turtles to the beach. If we continue doing this then we will see other animals and water creatures who once abandoned us return too.
—Tanvi Bhaye, Worli

It has definitely set an example. A small group of people can change the world and that is happening. Rather than sleeping on a Sunday morning, it is time to go out and citizen participation has made this possible. I'm sure it requires more manpower for other beaches to follow and for this the government also needs to promote more effective and active citizen participation.
—Nidhi Pant, Chembur

Mumbai is surrounded by the sea on all sides. The recent nesting of turtles was possible because of the cleanliness drive which aided marine life to survive in their natural environment. Cleaning of all the beaches in Mumbai is essential for maintaining a proper balance between human and marine life. If citizens and the authorities come togeher to clean the beaches, it can also help to promote tourism.
—Ganesh Atole, Parel

The Versova beach clean up has now become a role model for other beaches in the city. Conducted by a common man, it has become an example for the entire nation. The government should ensure that such initiatives are carried out on a daily basis. This will not only help the ecosystem but will also ensure that there is no pollution. The common man is the one responsible for littering on the beaches.
—Arwa Nagdawala, Byculla

It is essential for citizens to take a few responsibilities in their hands as it is mainly the citizens who pollute the beaches. A routine to beautify the beaches can be followed every Sunday. The Versova Beach rejuvenation has definitely set an example and sent a loud message that if citizens come forward, it is not impossible. After Versova Beach, we should also focus on other beaches in the city to keep them clean. It should not only be the civic authority's responsibility alone but citizens should come forward too.
—Smita Bhingarde, Jogeshwari

The condition of beaches in Mumbai has gone from bad to worse. Beaches used to be a great tourist attraction but are now used to dump waste. The Versova Beach rejuvenation will certainly inspire everyone to better the condition of other beaches in the city. While it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that we have clean beaches, the citizens should be civic enough to know that beaches are not meant to dump waste and litter.
—Suhail Ansari, Pydhonie

The Versova beach clean up will definitely encourage people to take up cleaning of other beaches in Mumbai. However, there should be continuity in the clean up activity. Other beaches should also get such consistent enthusiasts and should not give up if various local difficulties come up during the clean up drives. If there is similar support from BMC, state government, politicians and local residents, other beaches will also rejuvenate.
—Manda Shete, Chembur

It has already set an example. But it is done by citizens. Now, the administration should do it and set an example. It was nice to see the turtles come back. It was only because they felt that they can survive. Now that plastic ban is effective, it will ensure that beaches are less dirty. There are huge machines to clean up beaches. The richest municipality should have these machines. The Central government's motto is Swachh Bharat. Citizens are ready to help if they appeal. It can be achieved jointly.
—Nikhil Desai, Matunga

EXPERT SPEAK

We have been documenting the marine life found on Mumbai's coast and have been amazed by the biodiversity including some rare marine species which we assumed could not be found around such a polluted shore. However, many of these species are found entangled in waste and plastic. Clean beaches will certainly support more marine life. Efforts at Versova Beach have clearly shown the way. The same can surely be implemented on other beaches.
Pradip Patade, Founder, Marine Life of Mumbai

While we are still unclear about how the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle nested on Versova Beach, it is a fact that a clean beach will invariably attract marine life. Several beaches in and around Mumbai used to once be nesting sites. However, they have been ignored by the turtles for decades owing to the several man-made changes. Taking a lesson from Versova Beach, it's time for citizens and government agencies to join hands and ensure that all beaches can be made friendly to marine life.
Dr Dinesh Vinherkar, veterinerian and turtle expert