In a united effort to address marine pollution and promote sustainable coastal practices, Pondicherry University, Oulgaret Municipality, and the Association for Promoting Sustainability in Campuses and Communities (APSCC) came together to celebrate International Coastal Clean-up Day. This initiative, held under the aegis of the National Center for Coastal Research (Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India), is part of the Ministry’s flagship program, “Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar,” which aims to raise awareness about marine conservation and protect fragile coastal ecosystems.
This year’s event was aligned with the global theme ‘Sea the Change’ and complemented India’s ongoing Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, a nationwide movement dedicated to cleanliness and sustainable development.
Rally and Pledge
The event began with an enthusiastic pledge led by Prof. K. Tharanikkarasu, Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University, followed by a rally to Kalapet Beach. The rally was spearheaded by Thiru. A. Sureshraj, Commissioner of Oulgaret Municipality, along with Prof. Rajneesh Bhutani, Registrar of Pondicherry University.
During his speech, Prof. Tharanikkarasu stressed the importance of preserving marine ecosystems, drawing attention to the damaging effects of fiber-reinforced plastics on the environment. He emphasized that marine pollution poses a significant threat to biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Commissioner Sureshraj echoed these concerns, focusing on the detrimental impact of beach littering and uncontrolled coastal pollution. He urged the public to adopt eco-friendly practices and take responsibility for keeping beaches clean and safe.
Prof. Rajneesh Bhutani, in his remarks, lauded the Indian Government’s unwavering commitment to conserving the country’s vast marine resources and expressed gratitude for the continuous efforts toward promoting coastal sustainability.
Clean-up Efforts and Community Participation
The event saw active participation from over 200 individuals, including community members and several notable officers: Er. V. Mourougavelou, Dr. R. Vishnu Vardhan, Dr. S. I. Humayun, Dr. C. Satheesh Kumar, Dr. E. Manikandan, Er. S. Sudalai, Dr. M. Nandhivarman, Dr. S. Raja, Er. M. Jaisankar, Er. S. Segar, Mr. S. Ruthramoorthy, and Mr. S. Bhaskaran. Together, participants collected around 400 kg of waste, with an estimated 20-30% consisting of various plastics. Er. S. Sudalai from Pondicherry University confirmed that the collected waste was sorted and disposed of responsibly to minimize further environmental impact.
Dr. M. Nandhivarman from Pondicherry University emphasized the dangers posed by disintegrating plastics, including PET bottles, fishing nets, and ropes, to marine wildlife. He pointed out the harmful effects of single-use plastics, many of which have been banned but continue to appear as litter. Dr. Nandhivarman advocated for regular coastal cleanup initiatives to foster greater environmental awareness among students and the general public.
A Call for Continued Action
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Vice-Chancellor Prof. K. Tharanikkarasu and Commissioner A. Sureshraj. Both leaders expressed their appreciation for the dedication shown by all participants and emphasized the ongoing importance of protecting marine environments. Certificates of participation were distributed to the volunteers, marking the end of a successful day dedicated to coastal conservation.
International Coastal Clean-up Day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address marine pollution, and events like these play a vital role in educating communities, preserving marine ecosystems, and encouraging sustainable living practices.
This post aims to raise awareness about the importance of International Coastal Clean-up Day and inspire others to take action in protecting our oceans and coastal ecosystems. Let’s continue to work together for a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment.