ICG not only cleaned coastlines but also drove awareness on Coastal cleanup day 2025

On the occasion of International Coastal Cleanup Day 2025, observed across the globe, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) spearheaded a massive nationwide campaign that not only cleaned coastlines but also drove public awareness about marine pollution and the need to preserve oceans. The event witnessed the participation of over 26,000 volunteers, including schoolchildren, fishermen, NGOs, environmental enthusiasts, and local communities, across more than 70 locations along India’s 7,500-kilometre coastline.

The drive began in the early hours, with ICG personnel and volunteers assembling at beaches, harbours, and coastal towns. Equipped with gloves, reusable bags, and collection tools, participants removed thousands of kilograms of plastic waste, discarded fishing gear, bottles, wrappers, and other non-biodegradable items that had long polluted marine ecosystems.

The ICG ensured that the initiative went beyond physical cleaning by integrating awareness activities alongside the cleanup. Interactive sessions, street plays, poster campaigns, and awareness rallies were organised to educate coastal communities and tourists about the dangers of single-use plastics, the importance of sustainable fishing, and the role of citizens in protecting marine biodiversity.

Special emphasis was placed on engaging youth and school students, fostering a sense of responsibility from an early age. The ICG collaborated with local administrations and environmental organisations, ensuring that the collected waste was properly segregated and sent for recycling or safe disposal.

Marine litter has been a growing global crisis, with plastics forming the bulk of pollutants that harm aquatic life and threaten food chains. India, with one of the longest coastlines in the world, faced both environmental and economic risks from polluted seas. The Coastal Cleanup Day initiative not only removed waste from beaches but also instilled a sense of collective ownership among citizens toward protecting marine resources.

By leading the campaign, the Indian Coast Guard reaffirmed its role as a guardian of the seas not just in terms of security but also in environmental stewardship. The 2025 cleanup drive demonstrated how dedicated community-level efforts contributed to global goals of cleaner oceans and sustainable ecosystems. The initiative proved that coastal cleanup was not merely about picking up litter but about driving awareness, changing mindsets, and ensuring a cleaner, healthier, and safer future for generations to come.