Akie Doi’s Efforts to Keep Puri Beach Clean and Raise Awareness
PURI – Akie Doi, a music and yoga teacher from Kanazawa, Japan, has embarked on a beach cleanup mission in Puri, Odisha. Her initiative is drawing attention from locals and tourists alike as she works tirelessly to keep the Puri seashore clean.
A Personal Mission for Cleanliness
Doi first visited Puri in 2022 and immediately fell in love with the city’s spiritual atmosphere and scenic beauty. Since then, she has been making regular visits to Odisha. This time, however, her trip has taken a purposeful turn, as she has dedicated herself to cleaning up Puri Beach.
For the past two months, Doi has been picking up garbage from the beach, spreading awareness, and encouraging locals and tourists to maintain cleanliness.
“I simply love doing it. The administration has engaged sweepers to clean the beach, but I am doing my bit to keep the environment clean,” Doi said.
How Doi is Raising Awareness
Doi is not just collecting waste—she is also educating people on the importance of keeping public spaces clean. She carries a banner featuring Lord Jagannath along the Puri Marine Drive, displaying cleanliness messages to inspire others.
Key Highlights of Her Cleanup Initiative:
•Regular Beach Cleanups – Doi collects trash daily to maintain a cleaner shoreline.
•Raising Awareness – She promotes the use of waste disposal facilities and proper garbage segregation.
•Engaging Locals – By setting an example, she hopes more people will join the mission.
• Spiritual Connection – Her banner featuring Lord Jagannath helps spread her message in a way that resonates with locals.
The Growing Importance of Beach Cleanups in India
Puri Beach is a major tourist attraction and a sacred site for Hindus, especially during the Jagannath Rath Yatra. However, tourism and pollution have led to waste accumulation, threatening the environment and marine life.
Efforts like Doi’s cleanup mission help:
• Reduce plastic waste in the ocean.
• Encourage responsible tourism among visitors.
•Support local authorities in maintaining cleanliness.
Community Response and Future Outlook
Doi’s work has not gone unnoticed. Many locals and tourists have praised her dedication, and some have even joined her initiative. Her efforts align with India’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, reinforcing the need for community-driven cleanliness movements.
While the local administration has employed sweepers to maintain Puri Beach, individual contributions like Doi’s cleanup initiative further enhance these efforts.
Conclusion: A Small Step Towards a Cleaner Future
Akie Doi’s selfless initiative proves that one person’s dedication can inspire a larger movement. As more people become aware of the importance of cleanliness, such efforts can lead to a sustainable and cleaner future for India’s coastal regions.
Would you join a beach cleanup mission if given the opportunity? Share your thoughts in the comments!
