New Delhi: At least four Karnataka beaches — Panambur, Malpe, Gokarna and Karwar — will be cleaned up in a special drive launched by the Union Environment Ministry ahead of the World Environment Day (June 5).

They are among 24 beaches in nine States to be cleared of the garbage and other contaminants with the involvement of local communities and school children. In addition, 24 river fronts in 19 States including Pennar and Cauvery waterfront in Karnataka too would be spruced up.

An amount of Rs. 10 lakh has been earmarked for each stretch of beach, river front and lake. The Ministry has formed 19 teams comprising senior officials, State agencies and school eco clubs, to take up cleaning of beaches, river fronts and lakes, the Ministry says in a statement.

Some of the other beaches to be cleaned up in the special drive include Calangute, Miramar and Colva in Goa; Kanur and Calicut in Kerala; Kanyakumari, Ennore and Palavakkam in Tamil Nadu and Bakhkhali and Tajpur in West Bengal.

The clean-up operation will conclude on June 5. This year India is the global host of United Nation’s World Environment Day celebrations.

Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan wrote to school Principals across the country, requesting them to declare their schools free from plastic pollution by prohibiting plastic items like water bottles, bags, cups, plates, water jugs, folders, trays and pen stands. The schools have also been advised to adopt a water body, pond, wetland, beach or an eco-sensitive area around the school and make them plastic-free.