The CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa, organised a coastal cleanup drive under Swachh Sagar Suraskshit Sagar campaign at Miramar beach, Panaji, on Wednesday. The event, held in association with National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, was organised in the run-up to the International Coastal Cleanup Day 2025.
Dr M Ravichandran, Secretary, MoES, led the drive with senior officials and staff of NIO and NCCR.
Addressing the gathering, Dr M Ravichandran said that the MoES and other line departments had been carrying out various activities during the Coastal Cleanup Week in the run-up to the International Coastal Cleanup Day which is on the 20th September.
“It is not just about cleaning up the beaches. It is more about creating awareness about the importance of keeping our oceans clean because oceans are our nerve centre. You all know that oceans provide a lot of opportunities but there are several challenges the oceans face such as climatic and non-climatic challenges. It is imperative we take small initiatives to keep the oceans and the ecosystem clean and healthy,” he said.
Dr. Vijay Kumar, Scientist G & Advisor, MoES, also addressed the gathering. Prof. Sunil Kumar Singh, Director, CSIR-NIO, welcomed the gathering while Dr. Damodar M. Shenoy, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-NIO, presented vote of thanks.
The event witnessed widespread participation from the public, student community, NGOs, and community groups. The collected waste was segregated to different categories and then handed over to the City of the Corporation of Panaji.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences, through the Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar campaign, facilitates beach cleanup drives across the country’s coasts, removing tons of waste, including plastic, metal, cloth, rubber, and paper and wood debris. The campaign is aligned with the Government of India’s ongoing Swachhata Hi Seva initiative under the Swachh Bharat Mission envisioned by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar campaign, launched in 2022, is a flagship initiative of the MoES aimed at raising awareness about marine pollution, conserving coastal areas, and promoting cleanliness and sustainable practices to protect oceans and preserve marine ecosystems. It also marks the observance of the International Coastal Cleanup Day. The campaign is a step towards reducing the impact of marine debris on coastal biodiversity. The campaign inspires the community to adopt eco-friendly habits and become marine conservation advocates by engaging citizens across all age groups.
