More than one tonne of garbage, mostly PET bottles, were removed by a large contingent of volunteers from forest lands along Girivalam path on Sunday, as part of ‘Clean Tiruvannamalai’ initiative.
The initiative was a joint effort of the district administration, Tamil Nadu Forest Department, the Corporation, and voluntary organisations. Collector Vandhana Garg launched the initiative on Sunday.
Divided into seven teams, over 500 volunteers, including students, devotees, and sanitary workers participated. “The initiative also helps in knowing the importance of protecting the environment, especially forests and wildlife. It also creates awareness against use of plastics,” said G. Archana, a volunteer.
“The initiative is part of efforts by the district administration to prepare the temple town for Karthigai Deepam festival. Volunteers will clean the path at least twice a month,” K. Balasubramanian, Commissioner, Tiruvannamalai Corporation, told The Hindu.
Forest officials said that a request was made to the District Collector by the Forest Department to remove accumulated wastes in the forest land along the path.
Published - October 12, 2026 12:02 am IST