INCOIS and Centurion University lead massive beach clean-up in Odisha, remove 1620kg marine waste

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

KONARK/ASTARANGA, SEPTEMBER 20, 2025

In a powerful demonstration of community-driven environmental stewardship, over 1,600 kilograms of marine waste were removed from Odisha’s coastline as part of a large-scale beach clean-up campaign led by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS). The event, held in observance of International Coastal Cleanup Day 2025, brought together scientists, students, fisherfolk, and volunteers at Konark’s Chandrabhaga Beach and Astaranga’s Tandahar Beach under the banner of the nationwide “Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar” (Clean Ocean, Safe Ocean) initiative.

The clean-up drive, conducted in collaboration with Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM) and the local NGO SPANDAN, exemplified the strength of collective action in addressing marine pollution. At Chandrabhaga Beach, more than 80 participants, including INCOIS scientists, university officials, students, and members of the fishing community, worked in unison to clear a staggering 1,400 kilograms of waste — ranging from plastic bottles and polythene bags to abandoned fishing nets and other non-biodegradable debris.

At Tandahar Beach in Astaranga, over 40 dedicated volunteers — including government representatives and coastal residents — contributed to the removal of an additional 220 kilograms of marine litter. The campaign not only focused on cleaning the beaches but also served as a platform for raising awareness on the critical issue of ocean health.

INCOIS scientists Dr. Sanjiba Baliarsingh and Dr. Alakes Samanta engaged with participants, highlighting the grave threat that plastic pollution poses to marine biodiversity, local fisheries, and coastal economies. “Beaches are not only hubs of ecological significance but also crucial for tourism and the fishing economy. Collective action is essential to safeguard them,” the scientists noted, underscoring the long-term ecological and economic implications of marine waste.

The event also featured interactive sessions aimed at educating attendees about sustainable fishing practices, the dangers of single-use plastics, and the importance of community stewardship in environmental conservation. CUTM Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Biswajit Mishra emphasized the need for active youth involvement in advancing the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission while protecting India’s fragile coastal ecosystems.

The day concluded with a solemn pledge by all participants to adopt eco-friendly habits and remain committed to preserving the marine environment for future generations. Through this initiative, INCOIS reinforced its dedication to collaborative efforts involving local communities, academic institutions, and government bodies in building a cleaner, safer ocean.

This campaign not only marked a successful clean-up operation but also ignited a deeper sense of environmental responsibility among coastal residents — one that promises to ripple far beyond the shores of Odisha.