Port Blair, Sept 19: The Indian Coast Guard, A&N Region organized a Coastal Cleanship drive on the occasion of International Coastal Cleanup Day-2021 on 18th Sep 21 at Corbyn’s Cove Beach, Port Blair as part of “Swatch Sagar Abhiyan” and in line with Hon’ble Prime Minister’s appeal for mass cleanliness and sanitation campaign, through “Swachhta Hi Seva”. Owing to COVID related safety protocol which is in place, the event was limited to participation of ICG personnel only.
The International Coastal Clean-up day is observed across the globe on the third Saturday of September, every year, under the aegis of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP). To augment the global efforts, Coast Guard has also been coordinating this event nationwide since 2006.
Inspector General Dinesh Rajaputhran, TM, Commander Coast Guard Region (A&N) addressed the gathering and emphasized on the importance of such clean up drives which not only make people aware of the importance of cleaner seas but also helps in conservation of ocean and its biodiversity. He also emphasized on educating the children regarding the importance of keeping the seas clean.
The coastal cleanup drive was also conducted at Diglipur, Mayabunder, Hut Bay, Kamorta and Campbell Bay. During this drive a total of 3150 kgs of trash/ garbage comprising of plastic, glass bottles, food wrappers, beverage bottles, tyres etc. were collected from different beaches of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and handed over to Municipal Corporation for further disposal.
Indian Coast Guard is committed to the protection of marine environment and shall continue to organize such drives to educate and motivate the general public on the environmental issues.