ICGS Vishwasht Leads Cleanup Effort on International Coastal Cleanup Day at Car Nicobar

Tarun Karthick

Port Blair, 16 September 2023

The urgent challenge of ocean air pollution and its devastating results on marine life and coastal communities took centre stage because the Indian Coast Guard Ship ICGS Vishwasht spearheaded a devoted cleanup initiative on Malacca Beach, Car Nicobar, in commemoration of International Coastal Cleanup Day.

As the world grapples with the alarming accumulation of plastic and particles in its oceans, the decision to motion turns into more and more pressing. Statistics reveal {that a} staggering 60% of the hundreds of tons of rubbish in oceans encompass plastics, which persist within the marine setting for prolonged durations. In reality, each sq. mile of ocean is stricken by 46,000 particular person items of plastic litter, highlighting the gravity of the scenario.

International Coastal Cleanup Day, established by the Ocean Conservancy, is an annual occasion that addresses the challenges confronted by our oceans. Originating in Washington State, United States, in 1986, it’s now celebrated globally on the third Saturday of September every year.

The penalties of ocean air pollution are multifaceted, affecting not solely marine life but in addition people and the livelihoods of these depending on the ocean. Pollution poses a major financial risk by deterring tourism and leisure actions that contribute very important earnings to coastal communities.

One of the important elements of ocean conservation is empowering people to actively take part in preserving and cleansing up their coastal environments.

In honour of International Coastal Cleanup Day, ICGS Vishwasht, underneath the management of Mr. Shiv Prasad, Commander, and with the esteemed presence of Mr. Rajiv Sowal, Station Commander, Air Force Station, Car Nicobar, organised a large-scale cleanup drive at Malacca Beach. Over 500 members, together with college students, Air Force personnel, Coast Guard employees, police personnel, and native villagers, joined forces to clear the shoreline of gathered waste and particles.

This important collective effort underscores the dedication to safeguarding our valuable marine ecosystems and the communities that rely upon them. Such initiatives function a vital step in the direction of mitigating the antagonistic impacts of ocean air pollution, selling environmental consciousness, and fostering a spirit of duty among the many folks of Car Nicobar.