Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar
Why in News?
The Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar (Clean Coast, Safe Sea) campaign is currently in the news because Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh chaired a high-level review meeting to finalize preparations for the 2026 nationwide coastal cleanliness drive scheduled from September 10 to 19, 2026.
About the Campaign
- Nodal Ministry: Led primarily by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
- Collaborating Partners: Involves the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Indian Coast Guard, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), National Service Scheme (NSS), and various NGOs.
- Origin: Launched first in 2022 as a historic 75-day campaign across 75 beaches to mark 75 years of India's independence (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav).
- Global Milestone: Recognized globally as one of the longest-running, citizen-led coastal cleanup drives with the highest mass participation.
- Culmination Event: Timed annually to conclude around International Coastal Cleanup Day, observed on the third Saturday of September.
Objectives & Strategic Goals
- Marine Litter Reduction: Focuses heavily on removing single-use plastic, microplastics, and solid waste from the shorelines.
- The Three Pillars: Driven by the behavioural principles of Consume Responsibly, Segregate waste at home, and Dispose Responsibly.
- Blue Economy Support: Aims to protect vulnerable marine biodiversity (corals, turtles, fish) and sustain coastal livelihoods like tourism and fisheries.
- Digital Integration: Supported by the "Eco Mitram" mobile application for citizen registration, tracking waste collection, and spreading awareness.
Focus of the 2026 Edition
- Inter-Departmental Synergy: Emphasizes breaking down ministerial silos so scientific institutions function as an integrated ecosystem.
- Technological Innovation: Combines modern scientific tracking and tools with traditional beach cleanup activities to map pollution hotspots.
- Community-Led Stewardship: Targets active mobilization of coastal communities, school/college students, NCC cadets, and local village groups to make it a true Jan Bhagidari (people's movement).
