DHAKA, Nov 23, 2024 (BSS) - Department of Environment (DoE) today conducted a cleanliness drive at Kuakata beach in Patuakhali district.

This initiative was taken to clean up St. Martin, Cox's Bazar and Kuakata following directives of Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan.

During the drive, some 323 kg of plastic waste was collected from a 6-kilometer long beach in Kuakata, a ministry press release said here.

The wastes including food wrappers, polythene, single-use plastics, bottles, cigarette packets, fishing nets, cosmetics and e-waste were collected in the drive.

Ashiqur Rahman Sami of the ministry, Mohammad Asaduzzaman of the DoE Patuakhali office and 30 people from Dhaka University and CEGIS participated in the cleanliness drive.

DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid said, "The beaches are being polluted due to the tourists' ignorance. Necessary measures will be taken in this regard."

He sought everyone's cooperation in keeping all tourist spots, including beaches clean.