"Directing Safety Through Cleanliness": Shincheonji Volunteer Group Clears 43 Drain Grates in Hwajeong

Volunteers from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group clean clogged storm drain grates at Hwajeong Station Rodeo Street to prevent monsoon urban flooding.

On August 17, 87 volunteers from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Seoul & Gyeonggi Northern Branch gathered at Hwajeong Station Square and Rodeo Street in Goyang to conduct a critical flood-prevention cleanup, clearing 43 clogged rainwater drain grates and removing over 325 liters of waste—including 1,650 cigarette butts—to protect the local community from heavy rainfall hazards.

Key Highlights

• Proactive Flood Mitigation: Volunteers targeted high-traffic commercial zones near Hwajeong Station to unblock essential drainage systems before heavy monsoon rains.
• Data-Driven Impact: Cleaned 43 storm drain grates, recovering 1,650 cigarette butts, 75 liters of general trash, and over 200 liters of accumulated sludge (325 liters in total).
• Civic Engagement Campaign: Hosted interactive street campaigns featuring environmental quizzes and waste-reduction pledges to foster long-term community participation.

Targeted Flood Prevention at Hwajeong Station Commercial Hub

Urban flooding often stems from improperly maintained street infrastructure. When cigarette butts, soil, and discarded litter block rainwater drain grates, severe rainfall quickly leads to waterlogging, hazardous walking conditions, and property damage. Recognizing the urgency of pre-monsoon maintenance, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group mobilized at the bustling Hwajeong Station area—a central hub in Goyang characterized by dense pedestrian traffic and frequent litter accumulation.

    [ Waste Recovery Breakdown ]

   Sludge / Sediment  : 200+ Liters

   General Litter     : 75 Liters

   Cigarette Butts    : 1,650 Pieces

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   Total Waste Removed: ~325 Liters

Local residents join the Shincheonji Volunteer Group interactive campaign to practice proper waste sorting and flood prevention habits.

Comprehensive Drainage Maintenance and Waste Removal

During the intensive cleanup operation, 87 dedicated volunteers systematically inspected and cleared 43 clogged rainwater drain grates. The team extracted over 200 liters of sediment and organic sludge trapped inside the drainage structures, alongside 75 liters of general street refuse and 1,650 individual cigarette butts. By restoring maximum drainage capacity to these critical access points, the initiative significantly lowered the risk of localized flash flooding during torrential downpours.

"Because drainage facility management and street environment improvement are directly linked to public safety, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group plans to continuously carry out environmental purification activities in close partnership with the local community."

Empowering Citizens Through Interactive Environmental Campaigns

Alongside physical restoration efforts, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group conducted a public awareness campaign to encourage daily habits of waste reduction and proper recycling. Passing pedestrians participated in educational environmental quizzes and signed personal commitments to reduce single-use waste, transforming a routine maintenance effort into a collaborative community movement for urban safety.

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Related Reads:

• How Shincheonji Volunteer Group Prepares Local Communities for Storm Season

• Environmental Cleanup in Seoul and Gyeonggi: Rainwater Drain Maintenance