News
500-Tonne Festive Filth: A National Shame For Our Mauritian Beaches
Massive festive crowds have left the island’s public beaches under a mountain of waste, with authorities reporting that nearly 500 tonnes of solid litter have been cleared since the start of the year.
The figures, released by the Beach Authority, represent a staggering increase in pollution compared to standard periods.
A typical weekend usually generates between 75 and 80 tonnes of refuse; however, the recent holiday “assault” on the coastline has seen waste levels skyrocket to more than six times the seasonal average.
Enforcement and Legal Action
In addition to the environmental impact, the surge in visitors has led to increased police intervention.
Kavish Pattoo, Officer-in-Charge of the Beach Authority, confirmed that 21 fines have been issued on beaches since January 1st. The majority of these fixed penalty notices were handed out for illegal parking offences.
A Plea for Public Decorum
Faced with the logistical challenge of restoring the coastline, Mr Pattoo has issued an urgent appeal to the public.
He has called for greater respect for public spaces to ensure the island’s natural beauty is maintained during high-traffic periods.
Summary of Waste Collection
| Period | Average Waste Collected |
| Standard Weekend | 75 – 80 Tonnes |
| Festive Period (to date) | ~500 Tonnes |
Source: Defi Media
