Port Blair, Aug. 23: A Beach Cleanliness Drive was conducted today morning at Shoal Bay-19, South Andaman. The Cleanliness Drive was led by Secretary (IP&T) Shri. Hari Kallikkat, IAS. The Gram Pradhans of Kanyapuram, Shoal Bay and PRI members alongwith general public enthusiastically took part in the drive.

Interacting with the participants, the Secretary (IP&T) stated that cleanliness of beaches needs to be carried out on regular basis and visitors are to be made aware of adverse impact of hazardous materials being left at the beaches by them. The ecology and ecosystem of beaches and shore lines are very fragile and therefore all efforts are to be taken to protect the ecosystem of beaches, he added.

Secretary, IP&T also interacted with PRIs of both the Gram Panchayats and Civil Society members of the area and directed to explore possibilities of tourism development plans to attract tourists to Shoal Bay-19 beach. He has also assured all assistance towards promotion of tourism at Shoal Bay. It was also emphasized that Gram Pradhans shall take initiatives to provide basic beach amenities includes wash rooms/changing room etc to facilitate the visitors.