Archive · 19 Sep 2026
NIRMaL Sāgar Pilot Launches Integrated Marine Litter Tracking
A new programme to study ocean plastic pollution has started in Visakhapatnam.
It is called NIRMaL Sāgar.
Scientists will use satellites, computer models and artificial intelligence to find where marine litter collects.
They will also study where the plastic comes from and how it moves.
This information can help people plan better cleanups.
The programme will look for ways to recycle the collected plastic.
Officials also want communities and policymakers to help protect the ocean.
The pilot is part of a wider effort to create cleaner and healthier seas.
INCOIS, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Andhra University and Vignana Bharati launched the NIRMaL Sāgar pilot in Visakhapatnam.
The programme will use ocean modelling, satellite remote sensing and AI/ML tools to identify, monitor and forecast marine litter hotspots.
Scientific studies will examine plastic-litter sources, movement and accumulation areas around Visakhapatnam.
The initiative aims to support targeted cleanups, plastic recycling and a circular economy.
Officials linked NIRMaL Sāgar to the Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar mission, community participation and policy support.
- Who
- The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Andhra University and Vignana Bharati launched the pilot, with participation from government officials and volunteers.
- What
- The pilot phase of NIRMaL Sāgar, an integrated marine-litter tracking and remediation programme, was launched.
- When
- The programme was launched on Saturday; the articles do not provide a calendar date.
- Where
- Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
- Why
- To identify marine-plastic sources, track litter movement, locate accumulation areas, support cleanup and recycling, and provide scientific inputs for ocean-protection policies.
- Programme
- NIRMaL Sāgar, or National Initiative for Remediation of Marine Litter
- Pilot location
- Visakhapatnam
- Lead institution
- Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services
- Technology
- Ocean modelling, satellite remote sensing and AI/ML-based tools
- Main focus
- Identifying, monitoring and forecasting marine-litter hotspots
- Planned studies
- Sources, movement and accumulation of marine plastic litter
- Policy alignment
- Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar mission and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals