International Coastal Cleanup Day 2026 Observed at Gopalpur Beach
Desk News,Odishabart
Messages such as “Clean Seas, Safe Seas” and “Green Seas” were promoted during the programme. Participants also took a pledge to ensure that coastal cleanup
Chhatrapur, September 19: International Coastal Cleanup Day 2026 was observed at Gopalpur Beach in Ganjam district today with the message “Clean Seas, Safe Seas.” The primary objective of the campaign was to create public awareness about keeping the coastline free from plastic and waste and protecting the marine environment.
The cleanup drive was organised by the Berhampur Zonal Office of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB). Minister for Commerce and Transport, Mines and Steel, Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, attended the programme as the chief guest and personally participated in the beach-cleaning activities.
The Minister stated that protecting the sea, beaches and marine environment is not the sole responsibility of the government. Active participation and cooperation from every section of society are essential to achieve this goal.
Minister Jena said, “We need more environmentalists like Afroz Shah to emerge from among us.” He referred to Afroz Shah’s beach-cleaning initiative, which began in Mumbai in 2015 and later developed into a widespread public awareness movement. He urged people to draw inspiration from such environmentalists and come forward to protect the environment and beaches in their respective areas.
The programme was organised under the coordination of Deepak Sahu, Regional Officer of the Berhampur Zonal Office of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board.
Ganjam District Collector V. Keerthi Vasan, Berhampur University Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Asima Sahu, Gopalpur NAC Executive Officer Manoj Kumar Nahak, the Principal of Gopalpur College, administrative officers and employees from various departments, volunteers, students, Sagar Bandhu members and local residents participated in the event.
As part of the campaign, participants jointly cleaned Gopalpur Beach and collected plastic, polythene and other waste materials.
Messages such as “Clean Seas, Safe Seas” and “Green Seas” were promoted during the programme. Participants also took a pledge to ensure that coastal cleanup
