Kolkata: On the occasion of International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day 2023, the Indian Coast Guard Regional Headquarters North East, conducted beach/coastal cleanship drives, on 16th Sep 23, in the states of Odisha and West Bengal. The beach/coastal cleanup drive was conducted at Paradip, Puri and Bateshwar in Odisha and at Haldia, Frazerganj (Bakkhali) and Kolkata in West Bengal.
International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) day is the world’s biggest effort, in which, more than 12 Million people around the globe come together and participate to clean the seas and beaches for a better and healthier environment.
This event is conducted every year on third Saturday of September around the world. Indian Coast Guard conducts International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) day every year in coordination with support from various Central and State Agencies, Corporate Sectors and Non- Government Organisation (NGOs).
Inspector General Iqbal Singh Chauhan, TM, Commander Coast Guard Region North East joined the campaign, at Bakkhali Beach with troops of ICGS Frazarganj, a frontline unit of Coast Guard. The guest of honour Srimanta Kumar Mali, Chairman Gangasagar Bakkhali Development Authority, alongwith the men & families of ICG, students and local populace, enthusiastically participated in the event. Speaking on the occasion Inspector General Iqbal Singh Chauhan, TM thanked and congratulated all the participants for volunteering for such a noble cause and contributing in the drive for a pollution free environment. He said such events, imbibe a sense of commitment and install in the new generation their role in making the world a cleaner place.
At Kolkata, an event was organised by Coast Guard in collaboration with State bank of India, at Subhas Sarovar, Maniktala, to create awareness amongst local populace and society about the importance of clean water bodies and surroundings, for a pollution free environment. Prem Anup Sinha, Chief General Manager SBI, graced the occasion as chief guest. Coast Gurad personnel and families, SBI personnel, environmentalist and concerned citizens joined hands and cleaned the area around the sarovar.
In addition the Coast Guard Regional Headquarters North East conducted various events like plantation drives, lectures in educational institutions, Special interactions with fishermen, walkathon etc. to raise awareness, amongst the public in the states of Odisha and West Bengal.
More than 2500 enthusiastic volunteers consisting of Coast Guard personnel & their families, students, personnel from government and non-government organisations and general public actively participated in this mega global coastal cleanup activity. They collected approx 1500 Kgs of litter of marine & plastic waste and spread the message of importance of “clean coast, safe sea” and need of plastic litter free surroundings for a clean and healthier environment. Indian Coast Guard by conducting this mass campaign has again validated its commitment towards environmental conservation.
