The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) organized a massive coastal cleanup drive in Puducherry on Saturday, resulting in the collection of 400 kilograms of plastic waste and litter for safe disposal. The event, part of the larger International Coastal Cleanup Day 2024 (ICC-2024), was flagged off by Puducherry Lieutenant Governor K Kailashnathan, IAS (Retd), at Rock Beach.
Collaborative Effort Across Sectors
The cleanup drive saw widespread participation from various central and state agencies, municipal corporations, NGOs, fisheries associations, port and oil agencies, National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers, and students from local schools and colleges. The event was held in alignment with the Government of India’s “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” and the “Swachhta Hi Seva” (SHS) campaign, promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Global Initiative
International Coastal Cleanup Day is observed globally on the third Saturday of September under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP). The ICG has been leading this environmental initiative in India since 2006, fostering community participation and environmental conservation across coastal regions.
Engaging the Younger Generation
The cleanup drive in Puducherry saw enthusiastic participation from NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, and students, reflecting a growing awareness and commitment among the younger generation to preserve the environment. These efforts aimed to raise awareness about sustainable practices and the dangers of pollution to marine ecosystems.
Community Engagement and Environmental Stewardship
The ICC-2024 campaign was made possible through collaboration between numerous government and civil organizations, including municipal corporations, fisheries associations, and private enterprises. The collective action underscored the importance of community engagement in protecting India’s coastlines and promoting environmental stewardship.
The event not only focused on cleaning up litter and debris from beaches but also highlighted the broader impact of pollution on marine environments, aiming to inspire long-term sustainable practices among all participants.
