Volunteers removed 9.23 tonnes of plastic waste as part of the second phase of the mega plastic cleaning drive organised in connection with the Vembanad Lake rejuvenation project on Friday.

The drive was inaugurated by Principal District and Sessions Judge K.K. Balakrishnan at Thycattussery Ferry.

The second phase of the campaign covered the lake and other waterbodies in Ezhupunna, Kodamthuruthu, Pattanakkad, Thuravoor, Pulinkunnu, Neelamperoor, Champakulam, Veliyanad, Ramankary, Thakazhi, Arookutty, Veliyanad and Neelamperoor grama panchayats.

As many as 2,805 people, including members of the fishing community, Haritha Keralam Mission, Kudumbashree, Haritha Karma Sena, voluntary organisations and others participated in the drive. It was part of the ongoing efforts by the Alappuzha district administration to rejuvenate and conserve the lake, a Ramsar site and the second-largest wetland system in India. Officials said the collected plastic would be handed over to Clean Kerala Company in the coming days.

The plastic collection drive in Aroor, Vayalar, Edathua, Kavalam and Muttar panchayats will be held after February 15 due to local body elections.

In the initial phase of the campaign, around 12 tonnes of plastic waste was collected last month. The first phase covered Alappuzha and Cherthala municipalities as well as Kainakary, Aryad, Muhamma, Panavally, Mannancherry, Arookutty, Perumbalam, Chennam Pallipuram, Thycattussery and Thanneermukkom grama panchayats.