HCLFoundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of HCLTech in India, has completed a coastal cleanup campaign covering 50 coastal areas across Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
Campaign launched to mark HCL Group’s 50th anniversary
The campaign was launched on August 11 in collaboration with M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, People’s Action for Development, Development Research Communication and Services Centre, SPANDAN, ReefWatch Marine Conservation, Plan@Earth, Animal Warriors Conservation Society and Plan Foundation.
The initiative was undertaken as part of HCL Group’s 50th anniversary celebrations, with a focus on improving coastal ecosystems and encouraging community participation in marine conservation.
54,000 kg of marine debris removed
The campaign mobilised more than 7,000 volunteers and community members, resulting in the collection and responsible removal of over 54,000 kg of marine debris from coastal ecosystems.
On International Coastal Cleanup Day, HCLFoundation also conducted awareness activities including street plays, sand sculptures and marine debris exhibitions. These activities were organised in Kundapura in Karnataka, Kochi in Kerala, Ramanathapuram and Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu, Ongole in Andhra Pradesh, South and North 24 Paraganas in West Bengal and Puri in Odisha.
The programmes brought together HCLTech employees, local communities and environmental partners to highlight the impact of marine debris and the importance of protecting coastal ecosystems.
Focus on long-term coastal conservation
“Healthy oceans and clean coastlines are critical to ecological balance, livelihoods and community well-being. Lasting environmental change requires sustained participation from all stakeholders to help foster a culture of stewardship and responsibility towards our coastal ecosystems,” said HCLFoundation Director Dr Nidhi Pundhir while participating in a beach clean-up drive in Puri, Odisha.
The latest campaign is part of HCLFoundation’s broader coastal and marine conservation efforts. The foundation and its partners have so far removed more than 829,610 kg of ghost nets and marine debris through their conservation initiatives.