The Indian Coast Guard on Saturday organised a cleanliness drive at Marina Beach to mark International Coastal Cleanup Day, with Indian volleyball star Jerome Vinith also joining the effort. The event saw volunteers, personnel, and locals come together to highlight the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.
Marina Beach drive draws attention to marine health
The Coast Guard’s drive in Chennai was part of a nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness about marine conservation and tackling the problem of plastic and waste along India’s coastline. Speaking at the event, organisers emphasised the role of community participation in reducing pollution and ensuring sustainable coastal development.
Jerome Vinith, who represented the Indian volleyball team at international tournaments, lent his support by joining the cleanup effort, drawing attention from young sports fans and residents who participated in the drive.
Cleanliness drives across the country
Similar initiatives were carried out across India to mark International Coastal Cleanup Day. In Maharashtra, a major drive took place at Versova Beach in Mumbai, a stretch that has previously been at the centre of citizen-led cleanups. Environmental groups and local residents worked alongside officials to remove tonnes of plastic and solid waste.
Madhya Pradesh CM launches hospital cleanliness effort
Meanwhile, in Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav launched a separate cleanliness drive under the ‘Seva Pakhwada Abhiyan’ on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday. The CM personally participated in cleaning activities at MY Hospital in Indore along with public representatives and citizens.
During the event, Yadav also flagged off e-waste collection vehicles of the Indore Municipal Corporation and underscored the need to extend Indore’s reputation for citywide cleanliness into hospital management.
“Just as Indore is recognised across the country for its cleanliness, MY Hospital too should earn its name for maintaining hygiene. The hospital administration must pay special attention to keeping the premises clean,” Yadav said.
Citizens urged to pledge support
As part of the drive, Yadav administered a cleanliness pledge to citizens, social workers, and public representatives. He urged people to dedicate at least two hours per week and 100 hours annually towards cleanliness activities in their communities.
The CM further assured that the state government would extend all possible support for the hospital’s development works, adding that sustained civic participation is essential to ensure lasting results.
A national call for sustained action
From Chennai’s Marina Beach to Indore’s hospital grounds, the day’s events reflected a growing nationwide effort to tackle waste management challenges. Officials stressed that while such campaigns bring visibility to the issue, maintaining cleanliness requires consistent effort from both government agencies and citizens.
As International Coastal Cleanup Day concluded, the unified call across states was clear: protecting natural resources, public spaces, and healthcare institutions must remain a shared responsibility.