INDIAN COAST GUARD CONDUCTS MASS COASTAL CLEANSHIP DRIVE TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP DAY.

Every Year, on third Saturday in September, International Coastal CleanUp Day is celebrated under the aegis of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) in the South Asian Region to create awareness amongst general public to keep our coast and beaches clean and free from garbage. 

Towards ongoing efforts of GoI for the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ and Hon’ble Prime Minister’s appeal for mass cleanliness and sanitation campaign, through “Swachhta Hi Seva”; the Indian Coast Guard conducted International Coastal Cleanup Day – 2021 (ICC-2021) in the coastal state of West Bengal and Odisha on 18 Sep 21. The Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (North East) and CG units based at Kolkata conducted cleanship drive at Babu Ghat and Prinsep Ghat along the Hoogly river shore. In addition, Coast Guard unitsat Haldia and Frazergunj conducted Coastal Cleanup drive at Haldi River front and Bakkhali beach respectively. CG units at Paradip, Bhubneshwar and Gopalpur conducted cleanship drive at Paradip beach, Arakuda and Gopalpur beach respectively. The event witnessed participation of 980 volunteers comprising CG personnel and families including ladies and children, NGOs, BSF, IOCL, police personnel and local volunteers across the state of West Bengal and Odisha. During this drive over 3600 Kgs of trash including plastic was collected from these locations and was later handed over to Municipal Corporation for further disposal.

The Coast Guard fraternity is dedicated and committed in its efforts to spread awareness amongst local populace towards ill effects of garbage disposal to sea and single use of plastic. Indian Coast Guard often educate fishermen community towards keeping our seas and coastal areas clean during regular conduct of Community Interaction Programmes which are aimed to get connected with fishing community and to sensitize them on safety of life and security of our coast. Indian Coast Guard is committed and focussed on maintaining cleanliness and creation of a clean and healthy habitat free of single use plastics.