The Ministry of Earth Sciences has launched the fifth edition of Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar, a nationwide campaign aimed at protecting India’s ocean and coastal areas. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced the initiative, which will run as a week-long public participation drive from September 12 to 19, 2026. The campaign invites citizens, students, youth groups, coastal communities and organisations to join clean-up activities and ocean conservation efforts across the country.
What the campaign involves
Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar 5.0 will feature multiple activities scheduled across over 100 locations nationwide. These include major beach clean-up drives, human chain formations, cycling rallies and marathons. The Ministry has also introduced the first-ever national Ocean Olympiad designed to engage students and youth in environmental awareness.
Citizens can participate through several platforms. A dedicated pledge website has been set up where individuals, families, schools, colleges and organisations can commit to ocean conservation. The Ministry has also released a dedicated mobile app called SAGAR PRAHARI to help people stay updated and participate in activities. Those interested can register for the Ocean Olympiad through a separate portal to test their knowledge about ocean conservation.
India’s coastline stretches over 11,000 kilometres, and the campaign frames ocean protection as part of a broader vision of public participation in environmental stewardship. The initiative builds on activities conducted over the previous four years.
What this means for you
If you live in a coastal area or city, you can join organised beach clean-up drives near your location during the campaign week. Students and young people can participate in the Ocean Olympiad to gain recognition for environmental knowledge. Families and community groups can take the ocean conservation pledge online to show their commitment to keeping beaches and oceans clean. The campaign provides multiple entry points for participation, whether through direct action, digital pledges or educational competitions.