The Indian Coast Guard (East) and the TREE Foundation jointly hosted the International Coastal Clean-up Day 2025 on Sept.20, drawing over 700 volunteers to Marina Beach. Participants from various backgrounds, including Coast Guard personnel, students, NCC cadets, and corporate employees, collected nearly 500 kg of garbage.
The event’s goal was to raise awareness about the harmful effects of marine debris on ocean life. It was inaugurated by Inspector General D.S. Saini, Commander of the Coast Guard Region (East), and Indian Volleyball Player Jerome Vinith. Both speakers emphasised the importance of collective action in protecting coastal ecosystems.
For 19 years, the TREE Foundation has been a pioneer in coastal and marine conservation. The foundation’s Chairperson, Dr. Supraja Dharini, highlighted the dangers of plastic waste and ghost nets, which pose a significant threat to marine animals like sea turtles. She also noted the success of a joint program that has recovered 186 tonnes of ghost nets.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from students who carried placards with messages promoting responsible waste disposal. The initiative successfully fostered a sense of shared purpose among all stakeholders in the mission to safeguard our coastal environments.
