By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, September 21, 2019: Puri beach finally got a face lift with a mega cleanliness drive was organised at Odisha’s Puri beach to mark the International Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday.

Officials said that it was the world’s largest coastal clean-up drive, aimed to sensitising people about the need of clean beaches.

More than ten thousand volunteers participated in the drive at several places along the district coast.

Forest and Environment Minister Bikram Keshari Arukh, Bollywood actor Vidyut Jammwal and internationally acclaimed artist and writer Nandita Das also attended the cleanness drive.

“It is a great day for us as thousands came forward to clean up the beach at Puri,” internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik said.

The volunteers took an oath to protect the oceans and beaches by following the simple mantra of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. A human chain was also formed at the beach.

Students and volunteers were found joining in large numbers to clean beaches near Ramachandi Temple, Konark and Astarang area along the coastline across the district.

They joined volunteers from self-help groups, fishermen community, beachside vendors, hotel owners, photographers, lifeguards, tourist guides, Sebayat community of Jagannath Temple, government officials and employees to name a few.