Report on Plastic Waste Collection Drive at Thikkodi Beach at St. Mary's College, Thrissur
On February 17, 2026, the M.Sc. Botany students of St. Mary’s College conducted a comprehensive plastic waste collection drive at Thikkodi Beach, Kozhikode. Organized under the Bhoomithrasena Club, the initiative was led by Faculty-in-Charge Dr. Divya Menon K. to address the escalating crisis of coastal pollution and promote environmental responsibility among the youth. The drive focused on the systematic removal of non-biodegradable debris, including single-use plastics, abandoned fishing gear, and synthetic fragments. Beyond the physical cleanup, the program served as a field study for Botany students to observe the degradation of the coastal habitat.
Plastic waste poses a catastrophic threat to marine life. When plastics enter the ocean, they do not decompose but fragment into microplastics. These toxic particles are ingested by marine organisms, leading to bioaccumulation of hazardous chemicals throughout the food web. Larger debris causes fatal entanglements for sea turtles and mammals, while plastic layers on the seabed smother vital seagrasses and coral reefs, disrupting the oxygen exchange essential for the survival of oceanic flora.
This activity successfully removed a significant volume of waste, contributing to the restoration of the Thikkodi shoreline. By witnessing the impact firsthand, students gained critical insights into the urgent need for sustainable waste management to protect our fragile marine biodiversity
Report of the programme Download