Eastern Naval Command observes International Coastal Cleanup Day in Visakhapatnam

On the occasion, units at Visakhapatnam undertook Coastal Cleanup Drive at Yarada, Naval harbour/channel and Kalinga beaches.

Approximately, 1,000 Naval personnel including families participated in the event. Additionally, outstation units across the ENC with waterfronts also conducted cleanup drives actively engaging the local populace, said the Eastern Naval Command in a press release.

These initiatives are aimed at promoting the cleanliness of the beaches and waterfronts while fostering collaboration between the naval community and the local populace.

The event was also utilised to create awareness among the local populace to keep beaches clean, safeguard the environment and inculcate the habit of respecting coastal lines which in turn nurtures marine bio-diversity.

Eastern Naval Command has been playing an active role by undertaking various environmental initiatives towards the preservation of the environment especially coastlines.

Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard organised a 'Beach Clean Drive' in Marina Beach, Chennai on Saturday on the occasion of International Coastal Clean-up Day.

Chennai Corporation staff, NGOs, students and the general public joined the clean-up drive.

"We are all gathered here at Marina Beach. The Coast Guard is organising the International Coastal Clean-up Drive. We have made great plans to conduct this all over India," IG Donny Michael, Commander of Coast Guard Region (East) told ANI.

"I think more than 200 different beaches all over India are being cleaned. In my eastern region, we are also organising a clean-up drive in Vizag, Kakinada and 3-to 4 beaches in Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry besides Chennai. The focus of this clean-up drive is to create awareness amongst the public to keep their beaches clean," he said.

According to the Ministry of Environment, "The International Coastal Clean-up Day (ICCD) is observed annually on the third Saturday of September. This day aims to inspire people to clean up beaches, raise awareness about the importance of preserving and protecting the world's oceans and waterways, and address the issue of marine trash."

International Coastal Cleanup Day is an International event and is celebrated every year on the 3rd Saturday of September, as a promise to bring cleanliness and greenery to nature and the environment as a whole.

The day was started to raise awareness about the growing pollution on various beaches of the world. (ANI)