3,878 Volunteers Join Goa Coastal Cleanup, Collect 2.76 Tonnes of Marine Waste

Goa’s coastline witnessed a cleanup drive on September 19 as the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in association with the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of Goa and other organisations, organised International Coastal Cleanup Day 2026 across 25 beaches.

The three-hour drive, held from 6:30 am to 9:30 am under Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar (SSSS) 5.0, saw participation from more than 3,878 volunteers, including Gram Panchayat members, Municipal Corporation representatives, government agencies, NGOs, community organisations and residents.

The participants collected around 2,760 kg, or 2.76 tonnes, of plastic and other marine litter from Goa’s beaches.

The campaign was supported by Lions International, Vibrant Goa Foundation. The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) were associated with the initiative.

The main event was held at Miramar Beach and was attended by Goa Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju. DIG Manoj Bhatia, Coast Guard District Commander-11, Goa, participated.

Ministry of Earth Sciences Advisor to the Secretary Pavanjeet Singh Sandhu, NCPOR scientist Dr Alvarinho Luis and NIO Director Professor S K Singh were among those present, along with Coast Guard officers and representatives of participating organisations.

Goa ministers, MLAs and public representatives joined the cleanup at beaches in their respective constituencies. They included Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, Art and Culture Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, and MLAs Venzy Viegas, Antonio Vas and Sankalp Amonkar.

The campaign was organised under the theme “स्वच्छ सागर, सुरक्षित तट – यही पहचान हमारी” and the SSSS 5.0 initiative, which focuses on keeping the marine environment clean and reducing pollution along the coastline.

The initiative also supported the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Swachhata Hi Seva campaign by encouraging responsible practices to prevent waste from reaching the sea.

Through International Coastal Cleanup Day 2026, the Indian Coast Guard reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Goa’s coastline and ecosystems and promoting awareness about responsible and sustainable use of the seas.