Archive · 12 Sep 2026
India Expands Citizen-Led Campaign to Protect Its Coasts
India’s beaches and seas are receiving increasing amounts of plastic waste.
This pollution can harm animals, fish, coral reefs and the people who depend on the ocean.
In 2022, the government started a campaign called Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar to help clean the coast.
The campaign began at 75 locations and later reached 836 locations with more than a lakh volunteers.
Its fifth edition will take place from September 12 to 19.
Many groups, including students, sailors, fisherfolk, government workers and volunteers, will take part.
Activities will include beach cleanups, bicycle rides, sports events and school competitions.
Organizers will record the work digitally so they can see what was collected and plan better cleanups.
The goal is to make caring for the sea a regular part of everyday life.
Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar was launched in 2022 to address plastic pollution and protect India’s coastal ecosystems.
The campaign grew from 75 locations and 75 days in its first year to 836 locations and more than a lakh volunteers.
Its fifth edition, scheduled for September 12–19, will involve coastal cleanups, cycling events, sports activities, competitions and public awareness programs.
The Indian Coast Guard, Navy, government ministries, schools, universities, voluntary groups, fisherfolk associations and women’s groups are participating.
Cleanups will be digitally registered, geo-tagged and logged so collected waste becomes data for measuring future progress.
- Who
- The Ministry of Earth Sciences, other government ministries, research institutes, voluntary organizations, the Indian Coast Guard and Navy, schools, universities, fisherfolk associations, women’s groups and other volunteers.
- What
- The Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 5.0 campaign is organizing coastal cleanups and related public activities.
- When
- The campaign began in 2022; its fifth edition is scheduled for September 12–19 and will culminate on International Coastal Cleanup Day.
- Where
- Across India’s coastline, including more than 100 beaches and locations along both the eastern and western coasts.
- Why
- To reduce plastic pollution, protect marine ecosystems and support communities whose livelihoods and health depend on clean seas.
- Campaign
- Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar means Clean Seas, Safe Coasts.
- Launch year
- 2022
- First-year reach
- 75 days and 75 locations
- Expanded reach
- 836 coastal locations and more than a lakh volunteers
- 2025 edition activities
- Beach cleanups, a cyclothon, marathon, human chain, Ocean Olympiad, competitions, Bike-to-Beach and Eco-Selfie initiatives
- Data system
- Volunteer registrations, geo-tagged drives and digital logging of collected waste
- Additional partner reach
- Bisleri is independently bringing another 50 locations under the campaign banner