Actress Simple Kaul, known for her roles in shows such as Ziddi Dil Maane Na, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, and Shararat, participated in a beach cleaning campaign held at Carter Road Beach in Bandra, Mumbai, on May 12. Actor Rakesh Bedi and Rajat Bedi were also present and this was her first time being associated with this initiative. She stated that although people desire to keep the beach clean, they still litter it.
"Obviously, no one wants to treat the beach as a garbage area, but still, people litter. I want to know who these people are. Some would say they are mostly uneducated and below the poverty line, but there are also many educated hooligans who throw all kinds of garbage on the beaches and in the sea," she said.
She mentioned that the government should impose a penalty to deter such actions. She added, “There should be more discussion about this. And on the occasion of Ganesh Chathurthi, only biodegradable Ganpati idols should be allowed to go into the sea. The government needs to enact strict laws. More people should come forward to advocate for beach cleaning, setting an example by physically participating and discussing it on social media to inspire others.”
Speaking of other causes she supports, Simple said, “I advocate for the non-use of single-use plastics and support biodegradable products. I recently participated in a campaign and press conference for a brand called The Himalayan Pine Co., which produces sustainable goods using pine needles (taken from pine trees in forests).”
“Pine needles can cause forest fires, so by using them to make products, you actually prevent forest fires. It’s an environmentally friendly cause. We encourage people to use more and more biodegradable, sustainable products that do not harm Mother Nature,” she said.
"The government should place dustbins everywhere to prevent littering on beaches and roadsides. This time when I went, I saw a lot of bottle lids and a lot of plastic entangled in the mangroves that come from the sea. It takes a lot of time to remove them, and you have to cut them out of the trees with scissors and knives."