Zillar Barta Desk : Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar participated in the International Coastal Cleanup Day 2026 programme at Marina Beach in Chennai on Saturday, joining volunteers and other participants in a coastal cleanliness drive.
The event was organised under the Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 5.0 campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting cleaner beaches, reducing marine litter and creating greater awareness about the protection of oceans and coastal ecosystems. The 2026 campaign is being conducted from September 12 to 19.
Speaking during the programme, Governor Arlekar stressed that cleanliness should become a part of everyday life rather than being limited to special occasions or designated cleanup days. He said people should take personal responsibility for keeping beaches and their surroundings clean.
The Governor also highlighted the role of young volunteers who participated in the cleanup. He said their involvement itself conveyed an important message about environmental responsibility and public participation.
The International Coastal Cleanup Day is observed globally on the third Saturday of September every year. It encourages citizens to remove waste from beaches, raise awareness about marine pollution and promote the protection of oceans and waterways. (Beach Cleanup)
The Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 5.0 campaign is being conducted across coastal locations in India with participation from government institutions, students, coastal communities, volunteers and other organisations. Along with beach cleanups, the campaign includes awareness programmes, youth engagement activities and initiatives promoting responsible waste management.
With the Governor joining volunteers at Chennai's iconic Marina Beach, the programme underlined the importance of sustained public participation in keeping India's coastline clean and protecting the marine environment.
