In a powerful show of collective action on World Water Day, as many as 350 volunteers came together at Manori Beach to remove an astonishing 3,000 kilograms of plastic waste, highlighting both the scale of coastal pollution and the urgency to address it. Led by environmentalist Subhajit Mukherjee, popularly known as Mumbai’s “Green Man,” the large-scale cleanup drive was conducted on the morning of March 22, 2026, drawing participation from students, citizens and environmental groups across the city. A MORNING OF IMPACT The initiative began early, around 7:30-8:00 am, and continued till late morning, with volunteers working tirelessly for nearly four hours. By the end of the drive, more than 400 garbage bags had been filled with single-use plastic waste collected from the shoreline. Participants included students from 11 educational institutions, with active involvement from NSS, NCC and Green Clubs, underscoring the growing role of youth in environmental action. TACKLING A MOUNTING CRISIS The waste collected, ranging from plastic bottles and wrappers to other disposable material, was sent for recycling, ensuring that the effort extended beyond collection to responsible disposal. Subhajit, who has built a reputation for sustained environmental work, said the drive is only the beginning of a much larger mission. “This is the beginning of a movement and we will work throughout the year to keep the beach clean because we still have nearly 100 tonnes of plastic that needs to be removed,” he said, urging more citizens to join the effort. A CONTINUING MOVEMENT Known for his extensive work in climate action, including planting over 82,000 trees and organising regular clean-up drives, Subhajit emphasised that consistent community participation is key to restoring Mumbai’s fragile coastal ecosystems. The Manori Beach drive stands as a reminder that while the scale of pollution is daunting, collective civic action can create visible, measurable impact. As the city marked World Water Day, the message from its shores was clear: the fight against plastic pollution must be sustained, inclusive and urgent.
