On the occasion of International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) day and culmination of “Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar” campaign, the Indian Coast Guard Regional Headquarters North East, conducted beach/coastal cleanship drives, on 17th Sep 22, in the states of Odisha and West Bengal. This also being a part of ‘Puneet Sagar’ campaign, the beach/coastal cleanup drive was conducted at Chandipur, Paradip, Chandrabhaga, Puri, Gopalpur and Bateshwar in Odisha and at Haldia, Bakkhali, Diamond harbour and Digha in West Bengal.
International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) day is conducted every year on third Saturday of September around the world. In the 75th year of Independence, the Government has initiated a 75 days campaign “Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar” which started on 04 July 22 and is culminating on 17 Sep 22, the ICC Day. This year the Indian Coast Guard has joined hands with Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) to clean the beaches along the Indian coastline. The participation of common man during the event will convey the message of “Clean Coast, Safe Sea” for the prosperity of not only coastal areas but also other parts of the country.
In addition the Coast Guard Regional Headquarters North East conducted various events like cleanup/plogging/tree plantation drives, lectures in educational institutions, Special interactions with fishermen, walkathon and motorcycle/cycle rallies to raise awareness, amongst the public in the states of Odisha and West Bengal.
More than 12000 enthusiastic volunteers consisting of Coast Guard personnel & their families, students, personnel from government and non-government organisations and general public actively participated in this mega global coastal cleanup activity. They collected more than approx 3000 Kgs of litter of plastic waste and spread the message of importance of “clean coast, safe sea” and need of plastic litter free surroundings for a clean and healthier environment.
Report- Pratyusha Mukherjee
