Int’l Coastal Cleanup Day: AWCS clears over 1.6 tonnes of waste from Kothapatnam beach

Marking International Coastal Cleanup Day 2025, Animal Warriors Conservation Society and HCLFoundation led a massive beach cleanup at Kothapatnam Beach in Andhra Pradesh. Over 117 participants, including marine police and local residents, removed 1,626 kg of plastic and debris.

Sangareddy: On the occasion of International Coastal Cleanup Day 2025, Animal Warriors Conservation Society (AWCS), in collaboration with HCLFoundation, organised a large-scale beach cleanup at Kothapatnam Beach in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh.

The initiative drew an impressive turnout, uniting volunteers, local communities, students, and environmentalists in a shared mission to protect the marine ecosystem from the escalating threat of plastic pollution, according to a press release here.

More than 117 participants, including 90 enthusiastic volunteers, 12 members of the marine police, 10 local community representatives, and a five-member AWCS team, actively participated in the cleanup drive. Marine Circle Inspector Sambashiva Rao and Marine SI Subbarao extended support to the event.

HCLTech leadership was represented by HR Transition Lead Parthasarathi, IT Lead Nandha Kishore, Admin Lead Srinivasulu, and the Verizon Account Lead, who extended strong organisational support.

The collective effort resulted in the removal of an astounding 1,626 kilograms of plastic waste, discarded fishing nets, and other non-biodegradable debris from the shoreline. This action not only addressed immediate environmental threats but also reinforced the vital importance of responsible waste management and the ongoing protection of coastal biodiversity.

Representatives from AWCS highlighted the urgent need for community-driven conservation, stating, “marine plastic pollution remains one of the gravest environmental challenges of our era, but united community action can bring substantial, lasting change.”

“Our partnership with AWCS demonstrates our shared vision of cleaner coasts and thriving marine ecosystems. Together, we set an example for civic duty and environmental stewardship,” noted HCLFoundation representatives.

International Coastal Cleanup Day, observed across more than 100 countries, is the world’s largest volunteer-driven initiative for ocean and coastal protection.