The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, marked World Ozone Day 2026 on 16 September by organising a major beach clean-up drive at Nagaon Beach in Mumbai. The event was part of the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ nationwide Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar (SSSS) 5.0 campaign, which ran from 12 to 19 September to coincide with International Coastal Cleanup Day on 19 September.
What happened at Nagaon Beach
Scientists from IITM, local officials, teachers, students and community volunteers gathered to collect and segregate marine litter. Participants collected 200 kg of plastic waste, including discarded packaging and non-biodegradable debris from the shoreline. The collected waste was systematically sorted and handed over to local municipal authorities and authorised recycling agencies for proper disposal and recycling.
At the start of the event, participants took the SSSS 5.0 Pledge, committing themselves to maintaining clean beaches, preventing ocean pollution, and adopting sustainable environmental practices. Mrs. Harshada Mayekar, the Sarpanch of Nagon in Alibaug, Raigad, was felicitated for the local community’s cooperation and support.
What this means for you
The Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar 5.0 campaign highlights the growing problem of plastic waste in India’s coastal areas and demonstrates how communities can contribute to ocean conservation. If you live near a beach or coastal region, such initiatives encourage you to participate in local clean-up drives and adopt responsible waste management practices. The campaign emphasises that protecting marine ecosystems is not just the responsibility of government institutions but requires active participation from citizens, schools and community organisations. Even small actions like proper waste segregation and supporting beach clean-ups can help reduce the pollution that harms coastal environments.