‘Payanam 75’ by ‘Walk For Plastics’ is the World’s Longest Walkathon which aimed at collecting the littered recyclable plastics and creating social awareness for a litter-free city. A movement that was started towards creating a better world has now become yet another milestone by youngsters. The initiative of #WalkForPlastics primarily, was aimed at spreading awareness about plastic recycling started with just 10 volunteers but now, more than 500 volunteers from all over the world have come together to create a record on its 238th day.
Till date, Walk for plastic has recycled over 7 tons of reusable plastics in 237 days, amounting up to Rs. 45,000/- collected by recycling these plastic wastes. Approximately 1 lakh sq. ft. of landfill area has been accommodated for this activity. The funds raised is entirely used for educating the rag picker’s children and provide them with their other educational needs. Payanam is a major initiative by ‘Walk For Plastic’ is to create public awareness simply by getting into action without any slogans or placards.
Today, #WalkForPlastics successfully entered the 238th day with Payanam75 covering 75 km in major parts of the city. The first set of volunteers began their journey for the big day from the Art Kingdom, Villivakkam along with Gowtham, the Founder of ‘Walk for plastics’ at 10:30 AM, reaching Kathipara Junction at 5:30PM via Thirumangalam – Koyambedu – Vadapalani – Ekkatuthangal. Simultaneously, volunteers from other parts of the city had gathered at four major locations like Tambaram, Poonamallee, Shollinganallur and Anna Square and completed their journey at Kathipara Junction.
Other socialites like Kumaran Thangarajan, Pradaini Surva and RJ Vijay also contributed their part in creating a cleaner environment. The 75-km walk involved over 300 volunteers and had collected approximately 500 kgs of plastics. The collected, recyclable plastics were handed over to the Greater Chennai Corporation for the welfare of sanitary workers. Finally, the walkathon was declared and awarded as the World’s Longest Walkathon and had made its entry into the Triumph World Records.
