#beach

Wanderlust

The Call Of Vitamin Sea: Radhanagar Beach Ranks Among Asia’s Top 5!

When you think of stunning beaches in India, places like Goa and Kerala probably pop into your mind first. But guess what? There’s a hidden slice of paradise that just got the recognition it truly deserves! Nestled in the breathtaking Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Radhanagar Beach has officially been ranked the fifth-best beach in all of Asia, according to TripAdvisor’s 2025 list. That’s right, this dreamy coastline on Havelock Island is now rubbing shoulders with some of the most iconic beach destinations in the world!For context, Banana Beach in Phuket, Thailand, took the top spot, followed by White Beach in the Philippines, Haeundae Beach in South Korea, and Kelingking Beach in Indonesia. But let’s focus on why Radhanagar Beach is truly special and why it needs to be on your bucket list ASAP!Pristine Beauty, Straight Out Of A MovieThe moment you step onto Radhanagar Beach, you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a postcard. Stretching for about two kilometers, this scenic haven is beautifully maintained with strict conservation efforts in place, keeping it unspoiled and clean. Imagine soft powdery white sand, lush tropical greenery, and crystal-clear blue waters—yeah, it’s basically paradise.Lost in Blue: Crystal Clear Water Have you ever seen water so blue that it looks like an Instagram filter in real life? Well, Radhanagar Beach gives you exactly that! The waves are gentle, and the shallow waters near the shore make it perfect for swimming, even if you’re a beginner. The clean, untouched coastline ensures that every dip in the ocean feels fresh and rejuvenating.If just soaking up the sun isn’t enough for you, there’s plenty of thrill and adventure waiting beneath the waves! Havelock Island is famous for its incredible marine life, making it one of the top destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling. Just a short trip from Radhanagar Beach is Elephant Beach, another hot spot for underwater exploration. Swim alongside vibrant coral reefs, spot exotic fish, and discover the mesmerizing world hidden below the surface.Sunsets That Will Steal Your HeartIf breathtaking sunsets leave you spellbound, then Radhanagar Beach is going to blow your mind. As the day winds down, the sky transforms into a masterpiece of deep violets, fiery oranges, soft pinks, and golden hues. It’s hands down one of the best sunset spots in India, and trust us, watching the sun dip below the horizon here is an experience you won’t forget.If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, Radhanagar Beach has got you covered. Whether it’s a peaceful sunset stroll, a cozy picnic on the sand, or even a candlelight dinner by the waves, this place sets the mood for love and tranquility. Many resorts and local operators even offer private beachside experiences, so if you’re planning a honeymoon or a special surprise, this is the place to be!The Secret’s Out! Why This Beach Is A Must-Visit!Unlike the crowded beaches of Goa or the over-touristy spots in Kerala, Radhanagar Beach remains refreshingly untouched. It’s clean, peaceful, and still retains its raw, natural charm. Plus, with a diverse marine ecosystem, it’s an absolute dream for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.So, whether you’re craving an adventurous diving trip, a soul-soothing beach escape, or a romantic retreat, Radhanagar Beach is calling your name.With its newly earned title as one of Asia’s top five beaches, there’s never been a better time to visit this tropical paradise. Pack your bags, book that trip, and get ready to experience India’s most stunning beach in all its glory. Because this hidden gem in India is the beach trip you’ve been craving!

21 Mar 2025

Wanderlust

Star Citizens

More Than a Tourist: This Japanese Woman frees Puri’s Beach from Trash!

The tides of the ocean bring waves of serenity, but for Akie Doi, they also bring a relentless fight against apathy. A 38-year-old music and yoga teacher from Kanazawa, Japan, Doi has turned her love for Puri Beach into a fierce battle against pollution. While most visitors walk along the shore, enjoying the view, she walks with purpose, cleaning up what others leave behind.Since 2022, this one-woman army has been picking up plastic bottles, food wrappers, and every piece of trash that threatens the beauty of this sacred coastline. And she does it not for praise, not for recognition, but because she refuses to watch beauty be buried under negligence.Fierce, Bold, Unstoppable: Akai’s Battle for Puri! Every morning, before the sun fully claims the sky, Doi steps onto the beach like a guardian of the sands. With her hands protected by gloves and a determination burning in her heart, she collects the remnants of carelessness left behind by visitors. In her grasp, she carries a banner, not of protest, but of hope. It bears the image of Lord Jagannath, along with a simple but powerful plea: Respect this land. Keep it clean.“I do this because I love it,” Doi states simply, but behind her words is an unshakable resolve. “Yes, the administration has cleaners. Yes, there are dustbins. But if people do not take responsibility, no system is strong enough to fight this battle alone.”The Woman who refused to look away! Doi’s quiet rebellion against pollution has caught fire. The India-Japan Friendship Centre has recognized her efforts, equipping her with gloves and garbage bags to aid her mission. But more importantly, her actions have started inspiring others. Japanese tourists visiting Puri have begun joining her, drawn to the sheer passion of this one-woman revolution.And now, the question stands: If a visitor from another country can dedicate herself to keeping Puri clean, what’s stopping the locals?Lessons from Japan: A Culture of Respect!Doi’s actions are not random; they are deeply rooted in the culture she comes from. In Japan, cleanliness is not an obligation, it’s an identity. From classrooms to stadiums, from city streets to public spaces, keeping one’s surroundings clean is an act of self-respect. Children in Japan grow up sweeping their own schools, and after national football matches, Japanese fans stay back, not to celebrate, but to clean up.This is the mindset Doi carries with her to Puri. Not as a foreigner, not as a visitor, but as a human being who understands that the planet is shared. And if she can fight for it, why can’t we?A Battle That Belongs to Everyone: Restoring Puri’s Beauty! The war against pollution is not Doi’s to fight alone. The beach does not belong to one person, one community, or one government, it belongs to everyone. No amount of cleaning staff, no number of dustbins, and no administrative efforts will ever be enough unless every visitor takes responsibility. Doi’s work is a call to arms. A wake-up call. A challenge to every person who sets foot on Puri Beach. Are we just visitors, or are we guardians?As she continues her fight, day after day, her message grows louder:Cleanliness is not a duty, it’s a legacy. Will you help protect it?

21 Mar 2025

Star Citizens

Positive Reads

Homecoming of Hope: Olive Ridley Turtles Paint Odisha's Shores with Life!

In a breathtaking spectacle of life and nature's rhythm, the golden beaches of Odisha have once again become a canvas for an ancient homecoming. Over 6.37 lakh Olive Ridley turtles, nature's timeless voyagers have returned to the Rushikulya rookery this season, breaking past records and flooding the coastline with hope, life, and an unspoken promise of continuity. The ocean's gentle whisper seemed to carry the collective heartbeat of these majestic creatures,. This year’s nesting season has surpassed the 2023 record of 6.37 lakh turtles. It’s not just a statistical triumph; it's a soulful symphony of survival and revival.A Rare Daylight DanceWhat makes this year’s nesting even more magical is the rare sight of these marine mothers nesting under the sun's warm embrace a phenomenon as unexpected as it is enthralling. For onlookers, it felt like nature had thrown open her doors and invited them to witness a once-in-a-lifetime matinee show. Indian Forest Services officer Parveen Kaswan captured this ethereal event in a viral video that garnered over 40,000 views on X, calling it “nature’s extravaganza.” The spectacle didn’t stop there. Senior official Supriya Sahu from Tamil Nadu highlighted the sheer scale of this year’s nesting nearly 3 lakh turtles reaffirming the profound role these creatures play in maintaining the delicate balance of our marine ecosystem.Experts point to favorable weather conditions as the reason for this remarkable surge. Bivas Pandav, senior scientist at the Wildlife Institute of India, praised the climate’s gentle hand, which has created the perfect sanctuary for these turtles to lay their precious eggs. Zoological Survey of India’s Basudev Tripathy expressed optimism, predicting a strong hatchling turnout as the eggs are expected to crack open in the next 45 to 50 days.Guardians of the FutureEnsuring these fragile hatchlings reach the ocean, the government has taken proactive steps by installing protective fencing along a 9-kilometer stretch from New Podampeta to Prayagi. This barrier stands as a silent sentinel, shielding the vulnerable eggs from predators. In tandem, the Indian Coast Guard has intensified its efforts through Operation Olivia a steadfast conservation mission launched in 1991 safeguarding the nesting sites and patrolling the seas. Further strengthening these efforts, scientists like Anil Mohapatra from the Zoological Survey of India have been tracking the turtles’ journey using GPS tags. Over 330 tagged turtles were recaptured between 2021 and 2023, adding crucial data to the ongoing mission of preserving this species.The Heartbeat of the OceanMore than just a scientific marvel, this nesting season is a celebration of life’s unyielding spirit. It’s a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty, nature finds a way. As the sun sets over Odisha’s shores, the sand cradles countless eggs tiny orbs of promise while the ocean hums a lullaby for the unborn. It’s a homecoming not just for the turtles but for hope itself.So the next time you feel a wave of doubt, remember this story of flippers and sand, a story where life refuses to bow, and every return to the shore proves that hope always finds its way home.

26 Feb 2025

Positive Reads

Sudarshan Patnaik's Epic Sand Sculpture Takes a Stand Against Smoking

Prepare to be amazed as the master of sand art, Sudarshan Patnaik, unleashed his boundless creativity on the golden shores of Puri beach, igniting the spirit of "World No Tobacco Day." With each stroke of his skilled hands, Patnaik sculpted a breathtaking masterpiece that transcended the ordinary, becoming a powerful symbol of the battle against smoking and a clarion call for a world free from the clutches of tobacco. The intricately crafted sand art depicted the devastating consequences of tobacco consumption, sending a resounding message of "Say no to tobacco." Patnaik used a staggering seven to eight tons of sand to bring his creation to life, showcasing the magnitude of the issue at hand. The viral photos of the sculpture quickly spread across social media platforms, amplifying the impact of Patnaik's message. "World No Tobacco Day," observed annually on May 31, serves as a global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and advocate for policies that reduce tobacco consumption. This year's campaign aims to shed light on alternative crop production and marketing opportunities for tobacco farmers, encouraging them to transition to sustainable and nutritious crops. Simultaneously, it aims to expose the tobacco industry's attempts to hinder such transitions and contribute to the global food crisis. As the world grapples with the harmful effects of tobacco, Sudarshan Patnaik's sand sculpture serves as a poignant reminder of the need to prioritize health and well-being. By harnessing the power of art, he has contributed to the larger movement against tobacco, urging individuals and communities to choose a healthier path and protect future generations from the perils of tobacco consumption.

31 May 2023

Positive Reads

Alibaug: The Perfect Beach Destination

Alibaug is a small coastal town located in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, India. It is a popular tourist destination known for its pristine beaches, historical sites, and serene atmosphere. One of the most popular attractions in Alibaug is the Alibaug Beach, which is a pristine stretch of golden sand surrounded by palm trees and crystal-clear waters. The beach is a perfect place for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The nearby Kihim Beach is also worth a visit, with its calm waters and lush green surroundings. Another notable attraction in Alibaug is the Kolaba Fort, which was built in the 17th century by the Maratha King Shivaji. The fort offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and is a popular spot for picnics and sunset viewing. For those interested in history and religion, the Kanakeshwar Devasthan Temple is a must-visit. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the holiest places in the region. Alibaug is also known for its lush green landscape and is a perfect destination for nature lovers. The town is surrounded by mango orchards, coconut groves, and lush vegetation, and is a great place for a relaxing walk or picnic. In addition to its natural and historical attractions, Alibaug is also famous for its delicious seafood and traditional Konkani cuisine. Visitors can sample local dishes such as fish curry, solkadi, and bhakri at the many seafood restaurants in the town.

31 Jan 2023

Positive Reads

5 Amazing Foreign Destinations That Indians Can Reach by Road

For many of us, it is difficult to imagine going to another country by road, but it is very much possible and any roadie will agree. Road excursions are the best because they allow you to enjoy and appreciate the journey. Here are a few popular international destinations that you can visit by taking a road trip from India. Thailand For a change, skip the flight to Thailand and embark on a road adventure instead. You will enjoy it and once you get to Thailand, get ready to enjoy a wide range of activities, like lounging on pristine beaches, exploring churches and temples, sampling wonderful cuisine, engaging in adventure sports, and much more. Additionally, you will need a current passport and any necessary licenses. Bhutan Traveling to this neighboring country shouldn't be a problem because Bhutan and India have a free movement agreement. In reality, many adventure seekers have always wanted to visit Bhutan by road. Although a passport or visa is not necessary for your trip, you must pre-register your vehicle before crossing the border. Vietnam Vietnam is a fantastic place to visit because of its pure natural beauty and rich culture. Situated in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is famous for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas, and bustling cities. Indian nationals are permitted to drive their own automobiles across Vietnam as long as they have a carnet and active international driving permission. Malaysia You can also choose to travel by car from India to Malaysia. You will have to go through Thailand and Myanmar to get to Kuala Lumpur, which will be an experience in and of itself. Make sure you have a current passport, license, and visa for hassle-free travel. Turkey Look no further than Turkey if you enjoy driving and want to go on a very long drive. You won't just enjoy the final destination; the journey itself will be entertaining as well. New Delhi — Lhasa (Tibet), China — Kyrgyzstan — Uzbekistan — Turkmenistan — Iran — Turkey would be the finest route from India to Turkey. Once there, you can discover beautiful mosques, stunning beaches, and enchanted vistas of the sky loaded with balloons.

25 Nov 2022

Positive Reads

Good News

Turtle Heroes of Kerala: The Fishermen Squad Protecting Ocean’s Tiny Wonders

On the shores of Mannalamkunnu beach in Thrissur, Kerala, as the tides roll, two fishermen—Hamsu, 58, and his friend Kamaru walk along the sand, carefully scanning the coastline. But they aren’t fishing. These men have been the silent protectors of Olive Ridley turtles, dedicating their nights to these little turtles for 20 years now. Every breeding season from December to February, they patrol the beach and watch for mother turtles that come ashore to lay their eggs in the soft black sand. The eggs that are delicately placed in conical nests, require 45 to 52 days to hatch, and the fishermen along with other volunteer locals, carefully relocate them to temporary hatcheries set up by the Kerala Forest Department.The initiative, launched in 2007–08 was a difficult journey at first. “People had little awareness about turtle conservation,” an official explained. However, with consistent training, funding, and support from organizations like the WWF, the community eventually embraced the mission. Today, this project has become a collective effort, with multiple groups such as Fighters in Chavakkad, Surya in Kottapuram, and the Mannalamkunnu team working tirelessly. In January alone, Hamsu and his team collected over 2,000 eggs, releasing the first batch of baby turtles just a week agoUnder the Moonlight, Against the Odds: The Challenges Despite their dedication, these conservationists face numerous challenges on the daily basis. Extreme weather conditions, predators like foxes and stray dogs, and even egg theft pose threats to both the turtles and these nature lovers. However, harming turtles or stealing their eggs is a non-bailable offence under the Wildlife Protection Act, a law that has helped curb such activities to a great extent.Climate change has also altered turtle nesting patterns as a decade ago, nesting would begin as early as October but the timeline has been shifted this timeline to December due to rising temperatures. These little Olive Ridley turtles are commonly found in Odisha, Chennai, and Mumbai and they also nest in this part of Thrissur, making the conservation efforts in Kerala even more crucial. “We used to collect over 17,000 eggs in a season from Punnayur alone, but hatchability rates have dropped due to climate change,” said Geeveer VJ, Deputy Range Officer. Despite these obstacles, the conservationists remain undeterred, treating each nesting season as both a duty and an adventure of a lifetime.More Than a Mission: A Timeless Bond Beyond Conservation. For these fishermen-turned-guardians, the connection with the turtles runs deep. Their nightly vigil is more than just protection, it is an act of care. Their routine is rigorous yet fulfilling. “Our work begins at 8 pm. We patrol the beach, tracking turtle activity. Around 11 pm, we take a short break, eat, and resume,” Hamsu explained. They move stealthily, using minimal light, as even the slightest disturbance could send a turtle back into the ocean before laying its eggs. But once a turtle begins nesting, it remains undisturbed, sometimes laying as many as 150 eggs in one night.Thanks to their efforts, the conservation program boasts a 90% hatch rate, a remarkable achievement. And though climate change and environmental threats loom, these silent guardians continue their mission, night after night, ensuring that each tiny hatchling gets a chance to wade into the waves and begin its journey into the vast, mysterious sea. The act by these fishermen prove the beauty of co-existence of two species!

13 Feb 2025

Good News

Mysterious blue lights on waves leave tourists spellbound

The beautiful bioluminescent waves at Bheemili Beach in Visakhapatnam have become the talk of the town, drawing crowds of curious locals and tourists alike. The rare natural occurrence has left visitors enchanted by the beauty of nature. The phenomenon was discovered by a group of M Tech students from Andhra University during a long drive in the night. They captured the enchanting sight on camera and shared it on social media, which quickly went viral. Dr. Janakiram, a professor in the department of marine living resources at Andhra University, explained to TNIE that the motion of the waves awakens small marine organisms known as phytoplankton, which create a dazzling blue light. The bioluminescent diatoms Noctiluca and Sorecium, which are present, contributed to the enchanting atmosphere on Visakhapatnam's beaches. While the bioluminescence is not harmful to humans, local authorities have advised visitors to observe it responsibly and protect the fragile ecosystem. India is home to several beaches where bioluminescence can be observed, including the Lakshadweep Islands, Andaman and Nicobar’s Havelock Island and Radhanagar Beach, and the Konkan region of Maharashtra. A similar phenomenon was observed at Chennai’s Marina Beach, where the waves glow with a blue-green light due to the phytoplankton. The bioluminescent waves at Bheemili Beach are a reminder of the magical power of nature and a call to protect our natural resources. Visitors should not miss the opportunity to witness this rare and breathtaking sight and experience the wonder of the world around us.

10 Apr 2023

Good News

Safeguarding Paradise: Goa's Beaches Get AI-Powered Protection

Goa, India’s western coast paradise, is becoming increasingly protected with the help of Aurus, an Artificial Intelligence-based self-driving robot, and AI-based monitoring system Triton. According to a Drishti Marine spokesperson, the adoption of AI-based help comes in response to an increase in beach-related events brought on by the growing number of domestic and international tourists visiting Goa's coastline. According to him, more than 1,000 rescue operations along the coastal belt in the previous two years necessitated the assistance of the agency's life savers. The Aurus units have already been deployed at Miramar beach in North Goa, while the Triton units have been deployed in various locations including Baina, Velsao, Benaulim, Galgibag in South Goa, and Morjim in North Goa. These robotic lifeguards are equipped with advanced features such as vision technology that can detect potential drowning risks and alert lifeguards on shore. The robotic lifeguards are set to take over a majority of the tasks performed by human lifeguards, allowing for more efficient use of resources and people. The addition of these robotic lifeguards is not just an effort to ensure beach safety, but also an attempt to make Goa a more inviting destination for tourists. With the help of these robotic lifeguards, tourists can have peace of mind while they enjoy a relaxing day at the beach. As part of the state’s effort to ensure beach safety and save human lives, the government intends to deploy 100 Triton units and 10 Aurus units on its beaches. The introduction of robotic lifeguards is a great example of how technology can be used to improve beach safety standards and make Goa a more attractive tourist destination. With the help of these robotic lifeguards, Goa is sure to become an even more popular tourist destination.

13 Feb 2023

Good News

India’s First International Beach Festival To Commence in Kerala Tomorrow

The first international beach festival in India is all set to happen in the northern coast of Kerala. The 10-day first international beach festival, which showcases the rich cultural diversity and grandeur of the nation while capturing the fullness and essence of the district's unique artistic and cultural heritage, will be officially launched by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the opulent Bekal Beach Park on December 24. According to organizers, the celebration will draw almost five lakh revelers from all over the world to the three locations of Chandragiri, Thejaswini, and Payaswini where the festival will be staged. It will feature a feast of musical and cultural nights, exhibitions, tour programs, and food festivals that showcase Kasargod's cuisine. The prime attraction of the fest is going to be the beach sports which usually take place on foreign shores. The beach festival is expected to attract tourists from all over the world, especially the Arab countries. MLA C H Kunhambu, while complimenting the local people for their unwavering assistance in removing caste, religious, and political barriers to successfully organize the event, said that the beach festival will showcase the historical face of Kasargod. National artists will stage their performances in Chandragiri, Kudumbasree workers will present their programs in Thejaswini, and artists from the district will present a selection of their traditional art forms in Payaswini all at the same time. Notable political, artistic, and literary figures from the political, artistic, and literary sectors will engage in cultural discussions at the event. Almost 2.5 lakh tickets had already been sold in total for this festival which will be held according to green protocols.

24 Dec 2022

Good News

This State Is the First in India To Launch Its Own Climate Change Mission

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin declared that the state will become carbon neutral far sooner than the national objective of 2070 when he introduced the state's climate change mission at the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Summit on December 9, 2022. That means Tamil Nadu will offset the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere by implementing proper measures. With a budgetary allocation of Rs 500 crore for climate change management and mitigation efforts, the state government of Tamil Nadu announced the commencement of the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission in the 2021–2022 budget. Three significant nature conservation projects—the Green Tamil Nadu Mission, Tamil Nadu Wetlands, and Tamil Nadu Climate Change—will be carried out by the state government through the establishment of the Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company, a special purpose entity. The government also roped in former director of the United Nations Environment Programme Erik Solheim as its advisor for the climate change mission. The World Resources Institute, Anna University, and the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the climate summit in order to support the government's efforts to build 10 smart villages, 25 green schools, and blue flag beaches. With these significant steps, Tamil Nadu is certain to meet with success in its mission to avert the ill effects of climate change

13 Dec 2022

Good News

A Six-Year Dream of Disability Activists Is Realized at Marina Beach

It is said that the voice of the sea touches the soul and the touch of the sea is wonderful for many. Now, even the differently abled will be able to go near the sea independently as a permanent ramp has been inaugurated at Marina Beach in Chennai on Sunday. The permanent ramp is reportedly India’s first CRZ-compliant permanent ramp for people with disabilities and the culmination of a six-year dream and struggle by disability activists, including the Disability Rights Alliance (DRA) and the Municipal Corporation. The 263-meter facility was built for about Rs.1.14 crore using Babool, Red Meranti, and Brazilian wood. The viewpoint is 10 meters from the water, and it also features a handrail for people who might require assistance. Smitha Sadasivan of the DRA stated that this ramp was a dream come true for them as they had put in six years of work and coordinated with stakeholders to get the ramp constructed. She added that the ramp is a permanent facility and she is delighted that it would improve the mental health and well-being of many people. Sadasivan also hopes that an assistance booth or help desk, a beach wheelchair storage container, trained lifeguards, Mobi mats (non-slip pathways) near the viewpoint, accessible drinking water, and permanent toilets are also put in place.

29 Nov 2022

Good News

Two More Beaches Get the Coveted Blue Flag tag taking India's Tally to 12!

It was a happy and proud moment for India as Lakshadweep's Minicoy Thundi and Kadmat beaches became the proud entries in the prestigious list of Blue Beaches, an eco-label given to the world's cleanest beaches thus taking India’s tally of Blue Beaches to 12. Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the people of Lakshadweep for this impressive feat. He said that this is part of India’s relentless journey towards building a sustainable environment. According to pib.gov.in, the Thundi Beach is one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the Lakshadweep archipelago. The white sand on the beach is bordered by the turquoise-blue water of the lagoon which makes it very picturesque. To add to its beauty, there is a vintage lighthouse from where one can click pictures of breathtaking views. Kadmat Beach has a sizable lagoon, extensive expanses of sand, and huge coral growth. This beach is the ideal spot for anyone who enjoys taking part in water sports activities and capturing some breathtaking sights. Following are the other Indian beaches that have earned the "Blue Flag" tag: Shivrajpur in Gujarat Ghoghla in Diu Kasarkod and Padubidri in Karnataka Kappad in Kerala Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh Golden in Odisha Radhanagar in Andaman and Nicobar Kovalam in Tamil Nadu Eden in Puducherry

3 Nov 2022

Good News

Know More About the World’s Largest Coastal Cleanliness Drive at Puri Beach

More than 10,000 volunteers participated in what is claimed to be the world’s largest cleanliness drive at Odisha’s Puri beach on 21st September. It was launched under the banner ‘Mo Beach’ to mark the International Coastal Cleanup Day on SaturdayThe cleanliness drive was launched around t he world to make people aware of the importance of clean beaches. Drive Backed By Celebrities Many celebrities who supported this initiative was spotted at the cleanliness drive. Forest and Environment Minister Bikram Keshari Arukh, Bollywood actor Vidyut Jammwal, and internationally acclaimed artist and writer Nandita Das made their presence felt. World-renowned sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik said that it was a great day as thousands came forward to clean up the beach at Puri. Volunteers Take Oath Volunteers from all walks of life including self-help groups, fishermen community, beachside vendors, hotel owners, photographers, lifeguards, tourist guides, Sebayat community of Jagannath Temple, government officials and employees participated in the cleanliness drive. They took an oath to protect the oceans and beaches by the simple mantra of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle of waste, especially plastic waste. It was a touching and inspiring sight to see students and volunteers join hands to extend all necessary help to clean up the vast beach and set an example to people across the country and the world to be sensitive towards our environment. Image Courtesy: Odisha Diary

23 Sep 2019

Good News

Mumbai beaches to be lit up

A proposal by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to install lights on Juhu, Versova, Marwe, Manori and Gorai beaches has been accepted by the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA). Satish Gavai, chairman, MCZMA informed that they have been granted permission to illuminate beaches of western suburbs in Mumbai. Lighting the beaches at night is important as it improves security and avoids untoward incidents like thefts. He said that beautification and cleaning up of the beaches is important, but the security aspect should not be ignored. As per the project plan, all five beaches are expected to be illuminated by this year end. The work has already begun in Juhu where five lights have been installed. 15 more will be placed by August end so that the entire beach will be lit up. Prashant Gaikwad, assistant municipal commissioner said that once the lighting up of Juhu is complete, work will be done in Versova beach, but the number of lights here will be less as it is a small beach. Citizens are pleased and have appreciated the decision. Afroz Shah, lawyer and Versova resident said that it is extremely important that lights be put up at the beaches it will deter people residing in slums from dumping garbage along the beach at night. Open defecation, as well as open drinking in these areas, can be controlled to a large extent by the beach illumination project.

5 Aug 2017

Good News

Centre gearing up to clean 13 beaches across the country

The Centre has picked up Versova volunteer Afroz Shah’s model to clean up 13 beaches across the country. Shah was awarded UN's top environmental accolade — Champions of the Earth award — in Mexico last December. He is an advocate and beach crusader who transformed the filthy Versova beach into one of the cleanest beaches of the city. Shah is responsible for steering the 500- strong Versova Resident Volunteers toward the task. Now the government is joining forces with Shah to replicate the effort at 13 beaches across the country and will follow the Versova model of a volunteer force coming together at the weekend for the clean -up job. An environment ministry official said that the ministry has chosen 13 beaches for a clean-up programme and aims to achieve the Blue Flag accreditation which is awarded to beaches with high environmental and quality standards so that it will help bring international recognition to our beaches. The official said that along with the institutional and legal framework this project also requires people’s support. The centre has earmarked Rs 75 crore for this project. The clean-up project includes tackling the problem of open defecation at beaches, implementing waste-to-energy conversion plants at the seashore and incentivising garbage collection to create a livelihood income model for the poor and fishermen community living on the fringes of the beaches.

26 Jul 2017

Good News

IIT Madras reclaims beaches by applying modern technology to the old

The implementation of modern technology to ancient techniques helped IIT MadrasTeam to successfully reclaim Kerala's beaches that were lost to erosion. The Kerala government had earlier requested them to check erosion along the beaches. The IIT team worked to stop erosion at 25 eroded sites of two km each around 25 coastal villages, thus reclaiming 50 km of Kerala's beaches. Prof V Sundar of department ocean engineering in IIT-M said that the team from his department worked around the Groin Fields technology which was last used in the 1960s in India to stop erosion. This technology was later "completely forgotten". The IIT team blended a carefully designed idea with scientific process into this age old technology which stopped erosion activities from shifting to other areas and curbed erosion altogether. The method involves building a narrow structure out into the water from a beach to prevent erosion. This method can actually recover the land lost to the sea. However, it entails very accurate calculations like quantity of sediments and direction of long-shore currents. Sundar said that conserving the coastline has national and global implications. The fact that India has a vast coastline, doesn't mean that it could be taken for granted. There is an urgent need to conserve beaches and their socio-economic aspects.

11 Jun 2017

Good News

Global News

Greece Breaks Down Barriers With Self-Operating Ramps for Wheelchair Accessible Beaches

Greece has taken a major step towards inclusive tourism and accessibility by installing self-operating ramps at hundreds of beaches across the country, allowing people with disabilities to easily access the water. The ramps are designed to be user-friendly and can be operated by people in wheelchairs or with mobility impairments. The ramps are self-adjusting and can be customized to suit the needs of each user. The initiative is part of the Greek government's efforts to make the country's tourism industry more accessible and inclusive. The project was launched in collaboration with local authorities and non-profit organizations, who provided technical assistance and support. According to the Greek Ministry of Tourism, the project has already made a significant impact. Hundreds of beaches across the country have been made accessible to people with disabilities, opening up new opportunities for them to enjoy the country's stunning coastline. The initiative has also received widespread praise from disability rights groups and advocates, who have hailed it as a major step towards greater inclusion and accessibility. The self-operating ramps are just one part of Greece's broader efforts to make the country more accessible to people with disabilities. The government has also invested in accessible transportation and accommodation, and is working to improve accessibility in public spaces and attractions.

20 May 2023

Global News

Global Inspirations

A Beach in Ireland reappears 33 Years after being washed away

About three decades ago, the tourism in small town of Dooagh on Achill Island in Ireland depended on its beautiful beach. Everything was well till the beach got washed away in 1984 due to nature’s fury as storms hit the sands. It left only puddles and harsh rocks in the place of the beach. Since then, the influx of tourists too stopped. It badly affected the local economy, too. But as suddenly as beach had disappeared, it has also returned the same way, in the month of April 2017. During April, a strange cold snap affected the island. It brought a strong wind accompanied by a tide from the direction of north. This resulted in hundreds of thousands of tons of sand being washed up to the shore. This once more recreated the 300-meter stretch of beach, as reported by the media. Thus, the locals were only too happy to get back the beach they missed for more than three decades. The beach’s surprise return is drawing visitors from not only neighborhood towns but also from around the country. The island residents are expecting that the beach will get the special Irish eco-certification in the form of blue-flag inspection by next year. The incident once again brings to fore the fact that, no matter what human beings think, the nature has its own way of going about the things worldwide!

17 May 2017

Global Inspirations