Amitabh Bachchan Gifts 2 Machines To Versova Beach Cleanup; Praises Lawyer Who Began It All

Ever since the Swacch Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) was announced by PM Narendra Modi on October 2nd, 2014, one of the most landmark movements to follow suit has been the Versova beach cleanliness drive. Begun two years ago in 2015 by Mumbai advocate Afroz Shah and his team, this initiative has managed to rid the beach of almost 5 million kg of trash. Not to mention the planting of 300 coconut trees that’ve made the beach almost unrecognisable!

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Several Indian and even international celebrities, including Leonardo DiCaprio, have praised the efforts put in by locals. In fact, stars like Randeep Hooda and Nawazuddin Siddique’s kids have also participated in this drive.

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Despite multiple difficulties faced by Afroz Shah and the other volunteers, which included a temporary suspension of the drive due to harassment by local goons, the programme is once again back on track and was visited by yet another star!

Currently in its 115th week, the Versova beach cleanup drive received a visit from none other than Amitabh Bachchan! He was there to fire up the engines of the machines, a tractor and an excavator, used to clean up the garbage on the beach.

But did you know, this isn’t Big B’s first time at the cleanliness drive?

A few months ago, the Amitabh Bachchan had swung by Versova beach and interacted with the volunteers. He was told by Shah that a tractor or an excavator would help simplify the task of picking up the trash.

And guess what? In September, Afroz Shah was then invited to an episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati and gifted the keys to these two machines!

Though the machines were gifted in September, yesterday was Mr. Bachchan’s first visit to Versova beach since, and he addressed the volunteers present.

He even tweeted about how his gift was merely a small effort in contribution to the noble cause and one of the most satisfying experiences in life!

Afroz Shah and every single volunteer’s efforts in this cleanliness drive is commendable. Our environment is our responsibility and it is heartening to watch that people are indeed accepting this responsibility readily! Kudos, guys, and keep up the good work!

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