ICG Spearheads Nationwide International Coastal Cleanup Day
· Free Press Journal
In a major initiative towards marine ecosystem preservation aligned with the Government of India’s flagship Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Swachhata Hi Seva campaigns, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in close coordination with the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), conducted International Coastal Cleanup Day 2026 (ICC-2026) across all coastal States and Union Territories today, 19 September 2026.
The event marked the culmination of "Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar 5.0", a dedicated week-long ocean conservation drive conducted by MoES from 12 to 19 Sep 26, aimed at combating marine pollution through sustained citizen participation. Executed globally on the third Saturday of September under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP), the Indian Coast Guard has been the coordinating this national drive since 2006.
Visit newsbetting.club for more information.
Demonstrating robust civil-military synergy, the 2026 campaign witnessed massive public participation, mobilizing 25,079 volunteers across more than 100 coastal locations. The collective effort resulted in the recovery and disposal of 30,554 kg of plastic waste and marine debris, mitigating ecological hazards along India's coastline. The drive saw active involvement from National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets, National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers, educational institutions, scientific bodies, local fishing communities, and civil society organizations.
The seamless execution of ICC-2026 was enabled through synchronized inter-agency cooperation among the ICG, MoES, district administrations, state government bodies, municipal corporations, port trusts, maritime stakeholders, NGOs, and industry partners.
The Indian Coast Guard remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the nation's maritime environment, ensuring pristine coastlines, and promoting sustainable ocean governance through continuous public engagement and operational vigilance.