KOCHI: The Naval personnel in Kochi on Saturday undertook cleanup of the 2.5 km Backbay channel - also called as Venduruthy channel, to make it plastic-free and devoid of all non-biodegradable wastes. A team of 300-400 personnel of Southern Naval Command (SNC) led by Vice Admiral A.K. Chawla joined the endeavour of removing the considerable amou-nt of plastic waste whi-ch had accumulated in the channel over the years thereby depleting the mangroves and affecting the local flora and fauna.
Shakritha Suresh Babu, the local councillor was also present during the event. Four truckloads of non-biodegradable waste were removed by the personnel during the day’s activity.
According to navy, INS Venduruthy has taken various initiatives to clear the channel on a regular basis and to also plant ‘Vetiver’ (also known as Ramacham in Malaya-lam) plants that are known to prevent soil erosion and to restore the natural ecosystem.
The event coincides with the platinum jubilee year of INS Venduruthy which is also the oldest naval base of the country. As part of the platinum jubilee INS Vendurut-hy is also carrying out various outreach activities, which include extending help to the residents of Vathuru-thy Village, where majority are migrant labourers. Campaigns are being conducted by the navy in the neighbourhood of Vathuru-thy Village, to create awareness about garba-ge and waste disposal to the residents.
Besides, refurbishment works worth Rs 10 lakh were also undertaken by Venduruthy at the Government Destit-ute Home at Palluruthy and a number of welfare measures are being extended to the Destitute Home on a regular basis.
