On the eve of International Coastal Cleanup Day, observed on September 19, 2026, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh participated in a coastal cleanup drive at Mumbai’s Juhu Beach on September 18 as part of the fifth edition of the ‘Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar 5.0’ campaign. The drive brought together students, sportspersons, young startups, science scholars, government officials, Indian Coast Guard personnel, citizens and volunteers to clean the shoreline and raise awareness about marine pollution and the need to protect India’s coastal and marine ecosystems.
Mumbai came together for a cleaner coast as Mumbaikars joined Dr. Jitendra Singh in the Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar beach cleanup drive. From cleaning the shoreline to taking a collective pledge, participants reaffirmed their commitment to keeping beaches and seas clean, safe and sustainable. The drive also highlighted the importance of public participation in protecting India’s more than 11,000-km coastline.
The Juhu Beach programme was part of a wider nationwide campaign that brings together citizens, students, youth, coastal communities, scientific institutions, government agencies and volunteers.
Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 5.0 Enters Its Fifth Edition
The 2026 edition is the fifth edition of the Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar campaign. It is being conducted as a nationwide programme from September 12 to September 19, 2026, culminating in International Coastal Cleanup Day.
Since its launch in 2022, the campaign has evolved into a wider people’s movement focused on coastal cleanliness, marine pollution awareness, responsible waste management and conservation of marine ecosystems. Students, NGOs, local communities, youth groups and volunteers have played an important role in expanding its reach.
According to the campaign material, 39 tonnes of waste, including approximately 17 tonnes of plastic, were collected in 2025.
From Beach Cleanups to Underwater Conservation
The 2026 campaign has also taken its conservation efforts underwater. At Swaraj Dweep in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, an underwater cleaning programme was conducted as part of Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar 5.0.
Divers participated in the underwater cleanup, highlighting the need to address marine litter not only along the shoreline but also beneath the ocean surface. The activity reflects the campaign’s wider focus on protecting marine ecosystems and keeping India’s seas cleaner.
Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar promotes public awareness, waste reduction, responsible disposal and community participation. The campaign also encourages people to reduce single-use plastics, segregate waste properly and adopt more sustainable practices.
The initiative is also linked with the broader objectives of India’s Deep Ocean Mission, with a focus on the responsible utilisation and conservation of marine resources. Dr. Jitendra Singh has linked the 2026 campaign with this wider vision of marine conservation.