Students from Hiranandani Foundation, Gopal Sharma Memorial School, Beacon High School, Navy Children School, and Utpal Shanghvi School participated in the clean-up drive. Students from each school donned green aprons and white gloves to pick up the litter and the leftover debris from the previous days immersion. Earlier, we never thought much of this, but then after we joined CMCA, we are careful not to throw anything outside and litter our surroundings, says Reetu, a seventh grade student from Utpal Shangvi. A similar drive is planned for September 15.
As part of the CMCA initiative, civic clubs have been instituted in schools around the city. Students from the sixth, seventh or eighth grade are chosen to be a part of the club. They participate in various eco-friendly drives around the city. Reena Gupta, a volunteer with the CMCA says, We are around 50 volunteers and we have around 45 civic clubs in schools around the city.
The CMCA, which is tied with the Sophia College Ex-Students Association, has been carrying out the drive for the past three years. Students from the CMCA civic clubs have in the past participated in campaigns to spread awareness on issues relating to use of plastics and firecrackers. The organization is now planning a campaign to ensure a pollution-free Diwali, a Thank You to Traffic Police and Conservancy workers. The initiative has been taken to sensitize people of their civic responsibilities.
The Rotaract Club of NM College is also planning to do a clean-up drive around the Tulip Star area near Juhu Beach on September 15.We are expecting around 60 people and maybe more. Were hoping to spread awareness about some eco-friendly measures and this is the fifth year we are doing this, says Bhaumik Sanghvi, a student of NM College, also adding that they hope their numbers will increase in the coming years. The Club consists of college students in the 16-21 years age group, though others are also expected to take part.
Fropper.com is another group that plans to continue its cleanliness drive from last year, when a small group of Fropper employees got together to clean the city. Navin Mittal, Business Head, Fropper.com says, Last year, we got a huge response so this time we decided to tie up with colleges and youth who want to do something similar. And since Ruia college already had some eco-friendly movements happening, we thought we would give them a platform.
This year, there will be three groups when the clean-up drive happens at Girgaum chowpatty on September 15- Fropper employees, Fropper members and Ruia College students.