UDUPI: As part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day, nearly 685 kg non-biodegradable waste was collected from the 1.7 km stretch between Padubidri End Point Blue Flag beach, and the Padubidri Main Beach on Saturday.
Providing details about the beach cleaning competition, Vijeth Nayak, beach manager, told TOI that the department had distributed Google forms inviting local residents, students and NGOs to participate in a beach cleaning competition. Six teams comprising five members each participated. The event began at 9.30am and was completed by 11.30am.
The participants were briefed on what to pick, and also segregate the waste at its source, especially plastic, glass, nets and other items. Karavali Stars, a local team, who managed to collect 220 kg of waste, emerged winners, followed by volunteers of a private college in Mulki, who collected 186 kg of waste. The winners were rewarded with a cash prize and certificates. The competition was organised by the Padubidri End Point Blue Flag beach, under the district tourism development committee.
Meanwhile, crowds at the beaches are gradually increasing. On Sunday, about 700 people visited the beach.
