ENC joins mega coastal cleanup drive 'Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar'

Visakhapatnam: Over 500 naval personnel from Eastern Naval Command have joined the mega coastal cleanup drive as part of Puneet Sagar Abhiyan and to mark the 37th International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day with the theme "Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar" (Clean Coast, Safe Seas) on Saturday.

The naval personnel along with NCC cadets carried out beach cleanup drives at Yerada, Kalinga beaches, and all waterfronts within the premises of the naval units. The cleanup drive has gained prominence in Visakhapatnam over the last few years primarily due to rapid industrialisation and development activity that impact the environment. ENC has been playing an active role by undertaking various environmental initiatives for the preservation of the environment, especially the oceans.

The cleanup drive is aimed to create awareness among the general public about the upkeep of the beaches. The Centre's mega coastal cleanup drive will cover 7,500 km and 75 beaches for 75 days. The drive commenced on 3 July this year and ended on 17 September, coinciding with the country's 75 years of independence.