Bhubaneswar: Odisha will observe International Coastal Cleanup Day September 20 with a large-scale cleanliness drive across 14 beaches, announced Forest, Environment and Climate Change department additional chief secretary Satyabrat Sahu. He announced while presiding over a high-level preparatory meeting recently, outlining plans to mobilise volunteers, local authorities, and environmental groups for the event. The state-wide campaign will begin at Puri beach from 6:30am.
The inaugural event will be graced by Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Environment Minister Bhupinder Yadav, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia and Puri MP Sambit Patra, among others.
On the occasion, dignitaries, volunteers, and participants will take the ‘I Protect My Beach’ pledge. A signature campaign, painting exhibition, and beach cleaning activities will also be organised. The collected waste will be segregated and handed over to the municipality and plastic recyclers.
The programme will feature plastic recycling demonstrations by Odisha State Pollution Control Board, turtle hatching showcases by the Wildlife Division, and exhibitions of knowledge products by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM). With its 500 km-long coastline and iconic beaches like Puri, Konark, Gopalpur, Chandipur, and Talasari, Odisha considers the campaign not just a cleanup activity but a movement to safeguard the environment, marine life, and future generations.