First of its Kind Initiative Aimed at Reducing Marine Pollution

Port Blair, July 10: The Headquarters Naval Component under the aegis of Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) organised the maiden ‘Swachh Samudra Abhiyaan’ near Indian Naval Jetty, Port Blair today. The first of its kind initiative was aimed at reducing marine pollution through clearing and salvage of non bio-degradable waste from the harbour sea bed. The effort was also aimed at initiating a drive for cleanliness of the underwater marine environment which supports the coastal ecological systems.

The campaign was led by Commodore Aushtosh Ridhorkar, VSM, Naval Component Commander and offered an open opportunity for volunteers to perform underwater dives and supplement manpower engaged in sea bed cleaning. The unique evolution was conducted in a safe, systematic and controlled manner, under the close supervision of specialists from the Naval Clearance Diving Unit. This event witnessed wide participation, enabling cleaning of a sea bed area of about 1000 square metres at a depth of up to 12 metres. 

The Indian Navy has actively pursued efforts towards success of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan’ and ‘Clean and Green Mission’ campaigns. The Indian Navy undertakes a wide variety of activities as a part of nation-building. These activities encompass the Indian Navy’s benign role and stretch across the spectrum of social and public welfare.