Leading a major coastal clean-up drive at Juhu Beach in Mumbai on the eve of International Coastal Cleanup Day, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized India’s untapped marine potential, citing the Deep Ocean Mission championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a key driver of the nation’s Blue Economy. Joining senior officials, Ministry of Earth Sciences leadership, BCCI President Mithun Manhas, and volunteers, the Minister participated in an Ocean Pledge before joining the ground effort to clear waste from the shoreline.
Originally launched during India’s 75th year of Independence as a 75-day inter-ministerial initiative, the ‘Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar’ campaign has expanded into an annual, whole-of-government and whole-of-society movement. The 2026 drive, running from September 12 to 19, unites central agencies, state governments, the Indian Coast Guard, the Indian Navy, NGOs, students, and public figures across India’s 11,098 km coastline.
Dr. Singh underscored that unlocking maritime wealth requires safeguarding marine ecosystem health through reduced plastic waste, scientific exploration, and sustained public involvement. Citizen participation is being further bolstered through the Sagar Prahari platform, which enables community tracking and reporting of marine litter. The event at Juhu Beach highlighted that preserving clean shores and healthy seas remains a shared, long-term responsibility for the entire nation.
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