The waste filled 130 large garbage bags
But at the same time, I’m very disheartened knowing that the work we did today was just 5-10%, and that place is still full of trash,” he said. Because large portions of the area remain littered, the group said the Elliot Park drive would continue for at least three to four more weekends.
CleanUp Kolkata founder Sachin Bhagat said the response from volunteers was encouraging, but the volume of garbage left behind was worrying. Volunteers said the spot had become a dumping ground despite its proximity to a park, open spaces and a busy metro station. CleanUp Kolkata secretary Farha Parveen said the group had been receiving repeated messages about filth accumulating between Elliot Park and Maidan metro station. “Around 45 citizen volunteers joined in the initiative,” she said. Bhagat said Subhas Sarobar, too, would require sustained cleaning efforts but stressed that clean-up drives alone cannot solve the problem unless people stop littering public places and municipal waste systems keep pace.
“We’re so proud of this team who take time out of their busy schedules and come every Sunday to clean the city. Volunteers plan to return next Sunday with gloves, sacks and renewed determination.