FB call bands together volunteers, rids Maidan of 150kg New Yr waste
Times of India | 3 January 2025
Kolkata: The Maidan area, which had turned into a litter zone in the wake of the festive season, got a new lease of life after a group of amateur photographers came together to clean up the area on Wednesday.
Siddhartha Paul, a street photographer affectionately known as "jethu" amongst his voluntary photography students, had posted an appeal on social media on Dec 26 to clear rubbish from the Maidan. The initiative received overwhelming support, with 27 youths converging on Maidan on Jan 1 to remove more than 150 kg of waste.
"This wasn't a typical Sunday photo walk invitation, and I was surprised by the number of volunteers who joined on the significant day," said Brishti Maitra (26), an IT engineer from Salt Lake.
Paul, aged 51 and a central govt employee, visited Maidan at dawn on Dec 26 and was disturbed by the sight of widespread litter. "This is our city's breathing space. It is also my preferred winter photography location," said Paul, who immediately decided to organise a clean-up initiative on New Year's day.
Shrestha Chatterjee (23), a student from Baidyabati, arrived at Maidan around 2 pm on Wednesday. "Our dear jethu's unusual request prompted me to participate immediately in this worthwhile initiative," said Chatterjee, who cancelled her previously arranged New Year's plans.
"The Maidan lacked sufficient waste bins, but many visitors, upon seeing our clean-up activity, contributed their rubbish to our collection bags," said Saumyadip Bhowmick (25), a banking professional from Kestopur.
Paul provided biodegradable waste bags, hand protection, masks and sanitiser for the participants during the clean-up. "I conducted a preliminary survey at Maidan on Dec 31 evening, when the area was already significantly polluted," Paul mentioned.
The team, working in multiple groups, collected paper, plastic waste and dry refuse including wrappers, cups, bags, bottles and food waste, primarily from western and southern Maidan areas. They also cautioned mobile food vendors who had worsened conditions by discarding numerous polystyrene plates.
The group has scheduled another clean-up on the Republic Day afternoon.
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