Navi Mumbai: A mangrove cleanup drive near Sarsole jetty in Navi Mumbai, led by Environment Life Foundation and supported by the state govt and the civic body, marked its 290th consecutive week on International Women’s Day by dedicating the entire effort to ‘women mangrove soldiers’—volunteers who quietly protect coastal ecosystems week after week. More than 100 citizens joined the drive and removed over 600kg of waste from the coast.The litter was a harsh snapshot of everyday consumption: medical waste, cosmetic containers, grocery packaging, thermocol, single-use cutlery, pens, toys, footwear and school bags. Yet, the mood on the ground was not one of despair. It was determined, practical and hopeful, driven by women who believe that protecting mangroves is not a one-day activity but a way of living. Women volunteers participated in large numbers, proving that environmental action is strongest when it is community-led. The cleanup drive has continued without a break over more than five years, engaging more than 1.3 lakh volunteers and removing massive amounts of waste from the MMR coastline.
