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We have 18th longest coastline in the world with some of the most beautiful beaches, varied ways of life and cultures to explore. Total coastal length is 7517 kms out of this the mainland coastal length is 5423 kms and the coastal length of all islands is 2094 kms. There are 9 States and 4 Union Territories that form the mainland coastline which excludes the island Union Territories of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep.
However with the rapid human development and activities we face unforeseen dangers that are playing against our beaches and the beautiful coastline. Nearly 45% of our beaches face erosion due to human activities and natural phenomena. Literally all the beaches leaving a few face worst pollution in the form of plastic waste, garbage dumping and other toxic wastes.
Its time for action and we'd have to act quick and fast to prevent and mitigate this great loss that can permanently deprive us of our coastline. We need to start an awareness programme to orient people along the coastline on the dangers of polluting the water bodies, dumping plastic into them and also how to minimise the activities along the beaches. This way we can at least control the human part and leave the rest to mother nature.
This backpacking is an arduous attempt in raising an awareness and the needed funds to setup an NGO or divert the funds to an existing one. The effort would be to walk along the coastline of mainland India covering a distance of 5423 Kms in a span of 180 days at an AVG of 30 Kms per day. The activity will involve walking, camping and backpacking covering each of the 9 states, the villages, the hamlets and settlements along the coastline.
This also involves in recording the coastline settlements, their activities, monitor the flora and fauna along it and more importantly to observe the different cultures and walks of life that exist. I will be posting my daily activities on my blog and other such social platforms to raise awareness and share my experiences.
I have chosen March 1st week to be start date where I will be travelling to Gujarat and start my journey there and eventually end it in West Bengal. Will publish the timelines and itinerary in the coming days.
I have calculated the request amount at INR 1,20,000 where 20,000 would be spent on backpack bag, tent, backpacking essentials, utensils and clothing and the remaining 1,00,000 will be for expenditures from food, medicines (if needed), transportation (if needed), stay (if the place is not feasible for tent) and daily allowance of 300 rupees. I will add an excel sheet which has an approximate understanding of everything which also includes details of the invoices, bills and other such as and when .
Ps. The state that I come from doesn't have a coastline and so when I see one or visit one I know the value of it and the beauty of a beach that is before you. I just want to show my appreciation of such an amazing natural resource and contribute my best of efforts to help conserve them.
