Coastal clean-up drive in Odisha targets plastic waste, protects Olive Ridley habitats

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BERHAMPUR, SEPTEMBER 19, 2026

More than 165 students, researchers and local residents joined a two-day coastal clean-up and environmental awareness campaign across key stretches of the Odisha coast, with a special focus on protecting Olive Ridley nesting habitats from plastic pollution and abandoned fishing gear.

The campaign, held on September 18 and 19 under the nationwide 'Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar 5.0' (SSSS 5.0) initiative, was led by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) in collaboration with Centurion University and Berhampur University.

The clean-up drive on September 19 focused on the Gokarakuda-Purunabandha Olive Ridley nesting beach, where more than 75 volunteers removed accumulated plastic waste and ghost fishing nets from the shoreline.

Marine experts participating in the campaign said abandoned fishing gear and plastic debris pose a serious threat to nesting Olive Ridley turtles and their hatchlings, as the waste can entangle marine animals and obstruct the hatchlings' movement towards the sea.

The initiative began on September 18 at Haripur Creek, where more than 90 participants took part in a clean-up of the coastal wetland and removed litter from the area. The exercise was followed by an interactive workshop at the Department of Marine Sciences of Berhampur University, where participants discussed responsible waste management, reduction of marine litter and sustainable practices for protecting ocean ecosystems.

"INCOIS remains committed to the objectives of Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar 5.0 by promoting ocean awareness, scientific understanding and community participation. Such initiatives are vital for reducing marine litter and protecting our coastal environment," INCOIS scientist Dr Sanjiba Baliarsingh said.

Highlighting the role of educational institutions in marine conservation, Centurion University professor Dr Kamal Kumar Barik said the participation of young people can help foster long-term civic responsibility towards protecting coastal ecosystems.

Dr Tamoghna Acharyya, Head of the Department of Marine Sciences at Berhampur University, stressed the close connection between healthy coastal ecosystems and human well-being, and called for sustained collective efforts to address marine pollution.

The two-day campaign concluded with scientists, university representatives and community members pledging to reduce plastic waste and work collectively to safeguard Odisha's fragile coastal and marine habitats.