Rotaractors clean Karnataka’s waterbodies
Around 500 participants from 17 Rotaract clubs in RI District 3182, along with volunteers from Rotary, Inner Wheel and nearby colleges, rolled up their sleeves for a massive waterbody rejuvenation drive across Udupi, Shivamogga, Hassan and Chikkamagaluru in Karnataka.
“We removed tonnes of plastic waste, discarded clothes and other rubbish, and even cleared weeds from the backwaters,” shared project coordinator Arjun Rao, talking about Project Coast to Coast, now in its fourth year. But it wasn’t just about cleaning up. The Rotaractors also spent time creating awareness among local communities about water conservation, sanitation and environmental sustainability. Volunteers visited schools and colleges, using engaging AV presentations to show how water pollution happens, and why protecting our waterbodies is urgent.
This year, the project went truly global. Twenty Rotary districts across nine countries joined the movement, with Rotaractors organising mega cleanliness drives to restore waterbodies in their own regions, proving that environmental care has no borders.
Another inspiring effort from RID 3182 was the Purple Pinky to End Polio initiative on World Polio Day (October 24). Rotaractors from six clubs came together to spread the word about the importance of administering polio drops to children under five and Rotary’s mission to eradicate polio worldwide. “We organised rallies and visited schools to share the message,” said project contact Bharat Poojary.
