Mumbai: In a strong show of commitment to environmental conservation, Maharashtra celebrated International Coastal Clean-Up Day on September 21 with a large-scale beach cleaning drive at Juhu. The event saw active participation from key leaders, including Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, Maharashtra Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan, and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Organized by the Union Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Government of Maharashtra, the campaign highlighted the pressing need for community involvement in environmental protection.

During the initiative, Union Minister Yadav announced guidelines for one-time financial support aimed at youth-led waste recycling start-ups. “Our Ministry is dedicated to supporting innovative solutions for a cleaner, greener planet,” he stated, underscoring the vital role of recycling plants and waste management in sustainable development.

Addressing volunteers, Yadav emphasized the detrimental impact of human negligence on the environment. “Nature provides us with resources, yet we repay it with waste,” he remarked, advocating for water conservation, reduced solid waste, and a ban on single-use plastics. He encouraged participation in the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" initiative, inspired by Prime Minister Modi, to promote tree planting as an act of gratitude to nature.

Governor Radhakrishnan reinforced this message, stressing the need for sustained efforts beyond a single day of action. “A ‘Clean Mumbai, Green Mumbai’ will lead to a ‘Clean Bharat, Green Bharat,’” he said, advocating for continuous environmental initiatives.

Chief Minister Shinde praised Maharashtra's 720-kilometre coastline, emphasizing its potential to enhance tourism. He lauded public involvement in the ongoing week-long clean-up drive, which began on September 17 at Girgaum Chowpatty and will extend until October 2. “Cleanliness is not just a duty; it is a service to society,” he noted.

The beach clean-up is part of a nationwide effort spanning over 100 beaches in India’s coastal states and Union Territories. This year’s theme, “Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata,” focuses on natural cleanliness and the cultural responsibility to protect marine ecosystems.

The participants took the “I Am Saving My Beach” pledge, committing to maintaining clean coastlines and aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s Swachh Bharat initiative. Volunteers formed human chains and actively participated in the clean-up, fostering a strong sense of community effort.

Principal Secretary of the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Pravin Darade, welcomed attendees, while Tanmay Kumar, Special Secretary at MoEFCC, and Bhushan Gagrani, Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, also addressed the gathering.

Since its inception, the MoEFCC’s #IAMSAVINGMYBEACH campaign has evolved into a nationwide initiative. The 2022 “Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar” campaign mobilized over 15,000 volunteers, collecting 1,500 tons of waste from 75 beaches across India, reflecting the growing commitment to coastal conservation.