🌊 International Coastal Cleanup Day – 2025
The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) organizes the Coastal Cleanup Campaign – Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar to mark the observance of International Coastal Cleanup Day 2025. On this day, cleanup drives will be conducted simultaneously across beaches in all coastal states and Union Territories of India, making it one of the largest people-driven environmental campaigns in the country.
In Puducherry, International Coastal Cleanup Day (ICCD) 2025 — Beach Clean Up will be observed on 20th September 2025 at Kalapet Beach. The event is organized by the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) in partnership with APSCC, and supported by Pondicherry University, Puducherry Technological University, Manakula Vinayagar Institute of Technology, and Oulgaret Municipality.
This nationwide movement aims to unite individuals, communities, institutions, and organizations in a collective mission to:
- Clean our coasts and waterways
- Raise awareness of the dangers of marine litter and plastic pollution
- Encourage sustainable practices that build a healthier and more resilient ocean ecosystem
🌍 Campaign Focus
The Coastal Cleanup Campaign emphasizes collaboration and collective action. By removing accumulated waste, spreading awareness, and promoting responsible behavior, it highlights the urgent need for sustainable consumption and effective waste management.
The campaign is guided by the principle of the 3Rs — Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, underscoring the importance of reducing plastic usage, reusing materials wherever possible, and recycling waste responsibly.
📊 Scientific Contribution
Alongside the cleanup activities, a quantitative assessment of litter will be conducted using a standardized data/information sheet. The findings will form the basis of a scientific document that provides insights into the sources and scale of marine litter.
This data will serve as vital ground-truth validation, supporting the development and strengthening of India’s National Marine Litter Policy. It will also contribute to the global dialogue on reducing marine pollution and promoting ocean health.
🌐 Why It Matters
Our oceans are indispensable to human survival. They:
- Regulate climate and weather systems
- Support livelihoods and global economies
- Provide vital natural resources
- Sustain one of the richest reserves of biodiversity on Earth
Observed annually on the third Saturday of September, International Coastal Cleanup Day is a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to protect coastlines, conserve marine ecosystems, and safeguard the oceans that sustain life. It inspires millions of people worldwide to take part in cleanup activities while building long-term awareness of the urgent need to address marine debris and pollution. Importantly, the International Beach Clean-Up aligns with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) by restoring degraded coastal habitats, protecting biodiversity, improving water quality, and strengthening the resilience of ecosystems through collective action. Beyond removing waste, it fosters public awareness, community stewardship, and youth engagement—key pillars in advancing global ecological recovery and sustainable livelihoods.
✨ Join us on 20th September 2025 and be part of this global movement for cleaner coasts, safer seas, and a sustainable future.
📅 Date: 20th September 2025
📍 Location: Kalapet Beach & Pondicherry University
🤝 Organisers: National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) in partnership with APSCC and local partners
🌿 APSCC Regional Coordination Partners: Pondicherry University, Puducherry Technological University, Manakula Vinayagar Institute of Technology, and Oulgaret Municipality