MUMBAI, SEPTEMBER 18: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh on Friday led a coastal clean-up drive at Juhu Beach ahead of International Coastal Cleanup Day, highlighting India’s vast and largely unexplored ocean resources and the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.
The programme was organised under the ‘Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar’ campaign, which Dr Jitendra Singh said had evolved from an inter-ministerial initiative into a nationwide movement involving government agencies, citizens and coastal communities.
Launched in 2022 as part of celebrations marking India’s 75th year of Independence, the campaign is now conducted annually around International Coastal Cleanup Day, observed on the third Saturday of September. The 2026 edition is being held from September 12 to 19.
Dr Jitendra Singh participated in a mass Ocean Pledge at Juhu Beach before joining officials, volunteers and other participants in removing plastic and other waste from the shoreline.
Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr T. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala, BCCI President Mithun Manhas, senior officials of the Ministry and its institutions, public representatives, celebrities, volunteers and local participants were also present.
The campaign has brought together coastal States and Union Territories, Central and State government departments, the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, students, NGOs, local communities and volunteer groups. The participation of sporting personalities and public figures has also helped expand public engagement with ocean conservation.
Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted the Deep Ocean Mission, launched following an announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as an important component of India’s efforts to strengthen its scientific and technological capabilities in the maritime sector.
He said India’s oceans hold significant potential in areas including metals and minerals, fisheries, marine biodiversity and bioresources. He stressed that exploration and utilisation of these resources must go hand in hand with conservation and responsible management of marine ecosystems.
The Minister also underlined the importance of reducing marine litter and plastic pollution, saying that cleaner beaches and healthier oceans are essential for sustainable use of maritime resources.
India has a coastline of around 11,098 km, spread across its coastal States and Union Territories and supporting diverse ecosystems, communities and economic activities. Dr Jitendra Singh said the scale of the coastline requires coordinated efforts involving governments, scientific institutions, coastal communities and citizens.
The 2026 edition of the ‘Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar’ campaign includes coastal clean-up drives and public awareness activities across the country. The Ministry of Earth Sciences and its institutions are supporting the initiative through scientific programmes and outreach activities focused on marine litter and coastal environmental protection.
Citizen participation is also being encouraged through the Sagar Prahari platform, which facilitates public engagement and documentation of marine litter.
The Juhu Beach programme brought together government officials, sporting personalities, public figures, volunteers and citizens in a joint effort to protect the coastline. The organisers said the initiative seeks to encourage sustained public participation in keeping beaches clean, reducing marine pollution and promoting responsible environmental practices.
The campaign continues to build on its original objective of collective action for cleaner shores, healthier oceans and a more sustainable maritime future.
