India Coast Guard Leads Massive Coastal Cleanup in Puducherry
The India Coast Guard organized a large-scale coastal cleanup in Puducherry, collecting 400 Kg of plastic waste and litter for safe disposal. The event saw participation from central and state agencies, municipal corporations, NGOs, fisheries associations, ports, oil agencies, National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), and school and college students.
Event Flagged Off by Lieutenant Governor
The event was flagged off by Puducherry Lieutenant Governor K Kailashnathan, IAS (Retd) at Rock Beach. The cleanup was part of the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ and ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ campaigns, in response to the Prime Minister’s appeal for a nationwide cleanliness drive.
International Coastal Cleanup Day
International Coastal Cleanup Day is celebrated globally on the third Saturday of September each year under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP). The Indian Coast Guard has been coordinating this initiative in India since 2006, fostering community engagement and environmental stewardship.
Community Participation
This year, the campaign saw enthusiastic participation from various government bodies, civil organizations, and local volunteers. Notably, there was a tremendous turnout from NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, and students, demonstrating the younger generation’s dedication to maintaining clean beaches.
Collaborative Efforts
The ICC-2024 was made possible through the collaborative efforts of numerous civil authorities, including central and state government organizations, municipal corporations, NGOs, fisheries associations, ports, oil agencies, and private enterprises. Participants worked tirelessly to remove litter and debris from beaches, promoting a cleaner and healthier marine environment. The event also aimed to raise awareness about sustainable practices and the impact of pollution on marine ecosystems.
Doubts Revealed
India Coast Guard -: The India Coast Guard is a branch of the Indian Armed Forces responsible for protecting India’s maritime interests and enforcing maritime law.
Puducherry -: Puducherry is a small Union Territory in India, known for its beautiful beaches and French colonial architecture.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan -: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a campaign launched by the Indian government to clean the streets, roads, and infrastructure of India’s cities and rural areas.
Swachhta Hi Seva -: Swachhta Hi Seva is a campaign that encourages people to participate in cleaning activities and promote cleanliness in their communities.
Lieutenant Governor -: A Lieutenant Governor is an official who acts as the head of a Union Territory in India, similar to a governor in a state.
K Kailashnathan -: K Kailashnathan is the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, the official who flagged off the coastal cleanup event.
International Coastal Cleanup Day -: International Coastal Cleanup Day is a global event where volunteers come together to clean up beaches and coastal areas to protect the environment.
UNEP -: UNEP stands for United Nations Environment Programme, an organization that works globally to promote environmental sustainability.
SACEP -: SACEP stands for South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme, an organization that promotes environmental protection in South Asia.
NGOs -: NGOs are Non-Governmental Organizations that work independently from the government to address social, environmental, and other issues.