Porbandar: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in collaboration with the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), successfully organised a large-scale International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day 2026 at Chowpati Beach, Porbandar, on September 19, under the global theme “Swachh Sagar – Surakshit Sagar 2026” (SSSS 5.0).
International Coastal Cleanup Day is observed globally on the third Saturday of September every year. The Indian Coast Guard has been spearheading ICC activities across India since 2006, with a focus on addressing marine litter, promoting responsible waste disposal and creating greater public awareness about ocean conservation.
Porbandar, known for its maritime heritage, vibrant fishing community and sensitive marine habitats, provided an appropriate setting for the coastal cleanup initiative in Gujarat. The campaign witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 750 volunteers, including school and college students, NCC cadets, NGOs, fishermen associations, local residents and government officials.
The event commenced early in the morning with the assembly of volunteers at Chowpati Beach. Participants were equipped with protective kits comprising gloves, eco-friendly garbage bags, caps and masks to ensure safe and organised cleanup operations.
For systematic execution, the beach was divided into six zones, with volunteers working across designated areas to collect and segregate marine debris. The cleanup teams, joined by dignitaries and participating organisations, recovered various forms of coastal waste, including plastic, discarded fishing nets, glass, metal and organic waste.
The cleanup drive resulted in the removal of approximately 700 kg of marine litter from the Porbandar coastline. Following segregation, the collected waste was symbolically handed over to the Porbandar Municipal Corporation for appropriate processing and disposal.
Beyond the physical removal of waste, the initiative strengthened awareness among local communities and young participants about marine pollution, responsible waste management and the importance of protecting coastal ecosystems.
The successful conduct of International Coastal Cleanup Day 2026 at Porbandar reaffirmed the Indian Coast Guard and Ministry of Earth Sciences’ continued commitment to marine environmental protection. The participation of students, fishermen, civil society organisations, government officials and local citizens highlighted the importance of collective action in keeping India’s coastal environment clean, healthy and resilient.
