Visakhapatnam: The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) initiated a trial run of a beach cleaning machine at RK Beach in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. Mayor G. Hari Venkata Kumari graced the event and informed the media that the GVMC has leased five beach cleaning machines for three years at a cost of '9.98 crore. Additionally, one machine, costing '82 lakh, was procured using funds from the 15th Finance Commission. These machines, known as Beach Tech 2000AS, are set to operate at RK Beach, Rushikonda, and Bheemili, ensuring the beaches remain pristine.
“The Vizag beach sees a daily influx of numerous tourists, many of whom engage with the sandy shores. Thus, we took the initiative to ensure the cleanliness of our beaches,” the mayor expressed. She further stated that the remaining beach cleaning machines will arrive shortly and the project will be officially inaugurated by Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy through a virtual launch.
These machines are equipped with advanced technology that effectively sieves through the sand, segregating plastic and other pollutants. This effort not only enhances the visual appeal of the beaches but also plays a crucial role in preserving marine ecosystems and boosting the tourism sector.
The Eco Vizag Campaign mirrors similar endeavors undertaken in various coastal regions across India. For instance, Mumbai's Clean Coast Mumbai initiative employs cutting-edge beach cleaning machines to combat pollution along its coastline. In Chennai, the Clean Beaches Initiative focuses on upholding the pristine condition of the world-renowned Marina Beach through mechanised cleaning. Meanwhile, Goa's Swachh Sagar programme has been utilising beach cleaning machines to safeguard its renowned beaches.
