18 May,2026 08:41 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
On the 300th week, participants cleared a large stretch of mangroves, filling an entire truck with collected waste. Pic/Special Arrangement
What began as a small effort by three individuals in 2020 has reportedly grown into one of Maharashtra's largest citizen-led environmental movements. The Environment Life Foundation marked its 300th consecutive weekly mangrove cleanup drive on Sunday in Navi Mumbai, highlighting a sustained effort to protect coastal areas.
According to an official statement, the initiative, which started on Independence Day 2020, has now expanded to more than 1.25 lakh volunteers across Navi Mumbai, Mumbai, Thane and Raigad, collectively removing over 1,200 tonnes of waste from mangrove areas.
The campaign began after founders Dharmesh Barai, Shriram Shankar and Rohan Bhosale witnessed marine life trapped in plastic waste at Nerul Jetty during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Since then, volunteers - known as "Mangrove Soldiers" - have been carrying out cleanup drives every Sunday from 7 am to 10 am, removing waste including plastic debris, furniture, mattresses and medical waste from mangrove patches at sites such as Karave Jetty, the statement said.
On the 300th week, participants cleared a large stretch of mangroves, filling an entire truck with collected waste.
The milestone event saw participation from civic officials, environmentalists and social workers.
Belapur Ward Assistant Commissioner Prashant Nerkar praised the initiative and encouraged citizens to support municipal cleanliness efforts. Environmental advocate Swapnil Thakur performed songs highlighting the importance of rivers and coastal ecosystems, the news agency reported.
Actor and presenter Freishia B also joined the cleanup as a volunteer, urging stronger waste management systems to prevent pollution of natural habitats.
Representatives from organisations such as Aai Ekvira Pratishthan and Waghoba Habitats Foundation also highlighted the importance of protecting mangroves, wetlands and river systems.
Foundation founder Dharmesh Barai said the movement reflects the importance of public participation in environmental protection.
He said that mangroves play a crucial role in protecting cities from flooding and supporting biodiversity. He also appealed to citizens to contribute at least two hours of voluntary "shramdaan" for environmental conservation.
The foundation expressed gratitude to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), Mangrove Foundation and thousands of volunteers who have supported the drive over the past 300 weeks.
