Pune: Taking an important step towards environmental protection, a cleanliness drive was jointly implemented in the Valhekarwadi area of Ravet (Pavana) riverside by Ocean Savers of India, Sea Scouts and Guides and Rotary Club of Pune Pradhikaran .

The President of Rotary Club Pradhikaran, Nigdi Pune, Rtn. Ajay Lanke and Deepa Lanke inaugurated the cleanup drive. On this occasion, Commodore P. K. Malhotra, Mr. Yezdi Batliwala, Maithili Manakwad, Captain Superintendent of Sea Scouts and Guides Dr. Gopi Shetty, Gauri Shetty, Bhushan Dhake, (Rotary Secretary) Rtn. Sanjay Kumar and Rtn.Kaustubh Deshpande, Colonel Julius Rocque, members of various organizations, parents, and citizens were present.

Dr. Gopi Shetty said, “This campaign was initiated by Commodore P. K. Malhotra, Coordinator of India, as part of an international initiative being implemented across the country. Rivers are the lifeline of all life. They are very useful for humans, animals, and plants. Since human life depends on rivers, he appealed to everyone to keep them in perfect health and free from pollution.

104 students of Sea Scouts and Guides, 25 members of Rotaract Club of D. Y. Patil Engineering College, members of Rotary, Ocean Savers of India, Indian Maritime Foundation as well as Sea Scouts and Guides, citizens and parents participated in this campaign. About 11 tonnes of Plastic (836 bags) were collected during the cleanliness drive.

Dr Gopi Shetty guided on some of the major challenges and possible solutions, cleaning the ocean.

During the program, Commodore Malhotra, Mrs Manakwad, and Yezdi Batliwala were felicitated for their special work. The dignitaries were felicitated with scarfs and woggles.

Gauri Gopi Shetty, Secretary General of Sea Scouts and Guides proposed the vote of thanks to all the participants, PCMC staff, Rotary Club, and supporting organizations for their collective contribution to environmental conservation, stated a press release.