Collector Sandeep Nanduri inaugurated the programme in the presence of Superintendent of Police Murali Rambha and Commissioner and Special Officer of Thoothukudi Corporation, Alby John Varghese. 

Scores of students from various educational institutions were involved in cleaning the beach, where it was littered with plastic wastes, plastic cups, used empty bottles and cans.

In a bid to abolish the use of non-recyclable plastics, the district administration was taking several steps, Collector Sandeep added. He said wastes collected by the student volunteers would be disposed of safely. 

He added, more awareness programmes should be organised on the detrimental effects of usage of plastics. He also stressed the need to strictly enforce the ban on using plastics, which contain harmful chemicals, appealed to the officials concerned to initiate necessary action against those selling plastic bags. 

Meanwhile, the initiative should also come from the people to not to use such plastic or polythene bags and he sought their cooperation to protect the environment. Officials from Southern Petrochemicals Industries Corporation Limited (SPIC) were also present.

Meanwhile, students in large numbers participated in a mini marathon organised by Ramco company in Virudhunagar to raise anti-plastics awareness among people. The mini marathon was organised in two categories. Sources said students at the age of 18 and above took part in the ten-kilometer marathon and students below 18 years of age competed in the five-kilometer marathon. Cash prizes were given to winners, who excelled in these categories, sources said.