Meet Ripu Daman Bevli Who Made Plogging Popular In India

Ripu Daman Bevli started plogging in 2017 with the twin objectives of fight against the garbage crisis and at the same time to stay fit.

Plogging is a fitness trend that began in Sweden in 2016 that involves jogging and 'plocka upp' (Swedish for 'pick up') non-biodegradable waste on the way.

In order to make people aware about this unique style of cleanliness and fitness drive, Mr. Bevli regularly organises plog runs. To further intensify his efforts towards popularising plogging he started a 'Run for clean and fit India' in the months September- November in which 50 plog runs were organised covering 1,000 kilometres across 50 cities in the country.

For his efforts and for being a pioneer in plogging, Mr. Bevli has been felicitated as a Fit India Ambassador. He said, "By plogging you are actually improving your body's health and that of the environment. So this is a combination of Fit India movement and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan."

According to Mr. Bevli the waste collected during plog runs includes plastic wrappers, single-use plastic products, Styrofoam, paper, cardboards, glass, and other non-biodegradable items.

Some portion of the waste collected during plogging drives are submitted to local civic bodies and to R|Elan, a recycling company.

According to Mr. Bevli, people across the country are getting excited about plogging and participate in large numbers in the runs he organises. He said, "The idea behind organising plog run is to bring people from across the spectrum of the society and motivate them to set an example for others by cleaning their city while working towards keeping themselves fit. We recieve very enthuiastic response from people during plog runs."