Mumbai, 9th December 2024 – Over the weekend of 7th and 8th December, the Gully Classes Foundation, in collaboration with River Cleanup, a Belgium-based organization dedicated to tackling river and ocean pollution globally, organized a monumental two-day beach cleanup drive at Mahim Beach and Juhu Beach, Mumbai.
This impactful initiative witnessed the participation of over 300 volunteers, including students from NSS units of prominent colleges like SIWS College, RJ College, MD College, Gurukul College, SIES College, and Bhavans College. Together, these dedicated volunteers removed an astonishing 9 tonnes of waste from the two iconic Mumbai beaches.
The event began with an introduction by Abdul Munaf, Founder and Director of Gully Classes Foundation, who shared the mission and vision of both organizations. He emphasized the strong partnership with River Cleanup, stating, “We have been working with River Cleanup for the past four years, and their support and expertise have been instrumental in making these initiatives impactful and successful.” River Cleanup, renowned for its innovative global cleanup initiatives, provided critical resources, coordination, and expertise that ensured the event’s success.
In addition to the cleanup, participants engaged in meaningful discussions about adopting a sustainable lifestyle. Volunteers were educated on the importance of reducing or eliminating plastic usage and making eco-friendly choices in their daily lives. These conversations aimed to inspire individuals to contribute to a cleaner environment beyond the cleanup drive.
The closing ceremony at Juhu Beach was led by Abdul Munaf in the presence of CA Abdul Kareem and included special recognition for the core team members of Gully Classes Foundation: Hakim Shaikh, Arslan Shaikh, Veerpat Sharma, Arjun, Vicky, Mohsin Ansari, Camera Chauhan, Sana Ansari, Shifa Ansari, and Rohit, whose dedicated efforts made the event possible. The ceremony also acknowledged Purushotham, a committed social worker, for his active participation in the drive.
In his closing remarks, Abdul Munaf extended heartfelt gratitude to Arno from River Cleanup for his invaluable coordination and support. He emphasized that without River Cleanup’s expertise and global outreach, organizing such a large-scale and impactful event would not have been possible.
This collaborative cleanup drive not only succeeded in removing waste but also raised awareness about marine pollution and the need for sustainable waste management. The initiative showcased how collective action can create a positive impact on preserving natural resources and protecting marine ecosystems.
