Puri: An innovative initiative to turn coastal waste into a massive work of art has earned a place in the India Book of Records. The record titled ‘Largest Artistic Display for Coastal and Marine Conservation Awareness’ was achieved by Spandan in partnership with HCL Foundation at Puri, Odisha.
Around 700 marine activists and volunteers gathered along the Bay of Bengal coast at Puri, marking International Coastal Cleanup Day On September 19. The participants included personnel from the Indian Coast Guard, Puri Mahanagar Nigam, women SHG members, local Scouts and Guides, members of the Puri Cricket Association, Fishery Association members and other volunteers.
During the cleanup drive, more than 10,000 kilograms of solid waste was collectively collected from the beach. The waste included abandoned fishing nets and lost fishing gear, which pose a serious threat to marine life and coastal biodiversity.
The collected waste was subsequently segregated, following which young members of the local community transformed the discarded materials into a large artistic installation.
The artwork was displayed at Penthakotta in Puri on September 28, conveying a strong message about the impact of marine waste, particularly abandoned fishing nets and fishing gear, on marine life and biodiversity.
The unique concept was recognised by the India Book of Records under the category “Largest Artistic Display for Coastal and Marine Conservation Awareness.”
India Book of Records Adjudicator Sanjay Kumar Bhola was present during the event and formally awarded the record to the team members. He also appreciated the efforts of Spandan and HCL Foundation towards creating awareness and contributing to the restoration and conservation of India’s coastal ecosystem.
From beach waste to a record-breaking work of art, the initiative has turned a conservation challenge into a powerful message for coastal and marine protection.
