- Indian Coast Guard, Ministry of Earth Sciences lead International Coastal Cleanup Day 2026 at Chowpati Beach
- Students, NCC cadets, fishermen, NGOs and citizens unite for a cleaner coastline
- Six-zone operation targets plastic, discarded fishing nets, glass, metals and other marine debris
- Segregated waste handed over to Porbandar Municipal Corporation for further disposal
- ‘Swachh Sagar – Surakshit Sagar 2026’ campaign reinforces marine conservation and responsible waste management
NE ENVIRONMENT BUREAU
PORBANDAR, SEPTEMBER 19
Every kilogram of litter kept out of the sea is a step towards safeguarding marine life and coastal livelihoods. In a powerful display of collective environmental responsibility, more than 750 volunteers joined the Indian Coast Guard and the Ministry of Earth Sciences at Porbandar’s Chowpati Beach on Saturday, removing 700 kg of marine litter and transforming International Coastal Cleanup Day 2026 into a community-driven call for cleaner oceans.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in collaboration with the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), organised a large-scale International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day 2026 drive at Chowpati Beach, Porbandar, under the global theme “Swachh Sagar – Surakshit Sagar 2026” (SSSS 5.0).
Observed annually on the third Saturday of September, the international initiative seeks to tackle marine litter and strengthen public awareness about ocean conservation.
The Indian Coast Guard has been spearheading coastal cleanup activities across India since 2006, bringing together communities and institutions to address marine pollution.
Porbandar’s maritime legacy meets environmental action
With its rich maritime heritage, vibrant fishing community and sensitive marine habitats, Porbandar provided a fitting setting for the campaign in Gujarat.
More than 750 volunteers participated in the drive, including school and college students, NCC cadets, representatives of non-governmental organisations, fishermen’s associations, local citizens and government officials.
Their participation highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in protecting the coastline and the marine ecosystems that sustain coastal communities.
Six zones, one mission for cleaner shores
The cleanup began early in the morning with volunteers assembling at Chowpati Beach. Participants received protective kits comprising gloves, eco-friendly garbage bags, caps and masks.
For systematic coverage, the beach was divided into six zones. Volunteers, accompanied by dignitaries, collected and segregated marine debris, including plastic waste, discarded fishing nets, glass, metals and organic material.
The operation concluded with a group photograph and the symbolic handover of segregated waste to the Porbandar Municipal Corporation.
700 kg of marine litter removed
The campaign resulted in the removal of 700 kg of marine litter from Porbandar’s coastline, while also promoting awareness about the dangers of marine pollution and the importance of responsible waste disposal.
Beyond the quantity collected, the initiative underscored the need for sustained public participation in preventing waste from entering the marine environment.
The Indian Coast Guard and the Ministry of Earth Sciences reaffirmed their commitment to marine environmental protection through collaborative action involving civil society and local communities.
The Porbandar drive served as a reminder that safeguarding the seas begins on the shore—and that cleaner coastlines depend not only on organised cleanups, but also on responsible waste practices every day.
