Action for the Environment: Shincheonji Volunteers Resolve Local Urban and Ecological Issues in Uijeongbu
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| On 23rd May, the Uijeongbu Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group is carrying out flood prevention activities during the rainy season by maintaining rainwater catch basins and storm drains in the residential area of Baekseokcheon Stream in Ganeung neighbourhood, Uijeongbu City. |
Addressing Practical Environmental Needs in Local Communities
Environmental preservation is most effective when it directly addresses the specific vulnerabilities of a local area. Rather than conducting generic cleanups, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group focuses on practical, site-specific issues—whether resolving urban infrastructure blockages or restoring local aquatic ecosystems. In late May, the Uijeongbu Branch executed targeted environmental purification initiatives designed to improve public safety and foster ecological awareness among residents.
Baekseokcheon Stream (Uijeongbu): Preventing Flood Risks by Clearing Roadside Rainwater Grates
On 23rd May, the Uijeongbu Branch conducted a targeted infrastructure cleanup in residential areas near Baekseokcheon Stream in Ganeung neighbourhood, Uijeongbu, focusing entirely on chronic water-pooling sectors to prevent potential urban flooding ahead of the upcoming rainy season.
- Infrastructure Maintenance: Blocked rainwater grates are a primary cause of sewage backflow and street flooding. Recognising this hazard, 16 volunteers manually lifted the heavy metal covers of roadside grates to inspect internal blockages.
- Debris Extraction: The team thoroughly extracted accumulated soil, fallen leaves, cigarette butts, and domestic waste trapped inside the drainage structures. Volunteer Eun-ju Kim noted, “Everyone worked hard even when cleaning a single storm drain, as if they were cleaning in front of their own homes,” adding, “I felt that even if it is not a big or grand task, the community can change if we move together.”
- Educational Campaign: Along with maintenance activities, the Uijeongbu branch provided safety guidelines for flood prevention damage during the rainy season to more than 300 nearby residents. They explained practical response tips for daily life to residents, such as prohibiting the accumulation of litter around storm drains, cutting off electricity in case of flooding, and conducting pre-inspections of semi-basement homes.
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| On 23rd May, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Uijeongbu Branch is maintaining storm drains and stormwater pipes in the residential area of Baekseokcheon Stream in Ganeung neighbourhood, Uijeongbu City. |
The volunteer effort left a deep impression on residents. Cheol-su Lee, a resident living in a semi-basement, said, “During last year’s rainy season, water seeped into my room in the early morning, forcing me to throw away my appliances and clothes,” adding, “Water fills up faster when the drain is clogged, so seeing them clean it in advance gives me peace of mind.”
Delivering Practical Solutions for Every Environment
Meanwhile, the distinct operation by the Uijeongbu branch highlights the adaptability of civil volunteering. Whether maintaining urban drainage conduits to keep neighborhood streets clean or combating river degradation alongside official environmental networks, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group continues to deliver highly practical, civic-minded environmental support tailored to the unique needs of each community.
Source: vo.la/bv4Ak7Q
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