22 July,2026 02:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Juhu Beach accounted for the highest quantity of waste collected during the drive, with 1,825 metric tonnes removed over the 11-day period. PIC/BMC
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) collected 2,498.66 metric tonnes of waste from the city's beaches during a special cleanliness drive conducted between July 9 and 19, the civic body said in a press release on Tuesday.
The special campaign was launched to keep the city's beaches clean, safe, and environmentally sustainable, particularly ahead of the high tide period from July 14 to 18, when waves exceeding 4.5 metres were forecast to bring large quantities of marine debris ashore.
According to the BMC, the drive led to the collection of 2,498.66 metric tonnes of solid waste, including plastic, thermocol, wooden debris, aquatic vegetation, and other waste washed ashore due to tidal activity. The civic body said the collected waste was disposed of in a scientific manner.
The campaign was carried out under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide and the leadership of Additional Municipal Commissioner (Western Suburbs) Dr Vipin Sharma. The civic body said the operation involved coordinated efforts by multiple departments, with adequate machinery, vehicles, and manpower deployed to ensure the timely removal of waste during the monsoon.
The BMC has stepped up beach-cleaning operations this monsoon as heavy rainfall and high tides continue to wash large quantities of marine debris onto Mumbai's coastline. According to the civic body, more than 1,000 mm of rainfall recorded in early July carried plastic waste, thermocol, wooden debris, and other refuse from drains and natural waterways into the Arabian Sea. High tides subsequently pushed the waste back onto the beaches, increasing the burden on civic workers. To tackle the challenge, the solid waste management department deployed additional machinery and sanitation workers to ensure continuous cleaning operations and the scientific disposal of the collected waste.
Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Solid Waste Management) Kiran Dighavkar said Juhu Beach accounted for the highest quantity of waste collected during the drive, with 1,825 metric tonnes removed over the 11-day period.
Juhu Beach: 1,825 metric tonnes
Versova beach: 277.60 metric tonnes
Dadar-Mahim beach: 152.10 metric tonnes
Chimbai-Waringpada beach (Bandra): 127.20 metric tonnes
Madh-Marve beach: 44.28 metric tonnes
Gorai beach: 38.82 metric tonnes
Chowpatty: 33.66 metric tonnes.
The BMC said special beach-cleaning teams have been deployed during the monsoon to remove plastic, thermocol, wooden debris, aquatic vegetation, and other waste washed ashore by tidal activity.
The civic body appealed to citizens to actively support its efforts to keep Mumbai's beaches clean, safe and pollution-free, stating that public participation is crucial for maintaining a healthy and environmentally sustainable coastline.
