Visakhapatnam witnessed a monumental effort to reclaim its beautiful coastline as the Indian Coast Guard District 6, based in Andhra Pradesh, spearheaded a large-scale International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) drive at the iconic RK Beach on Saturday, September 20, 2025. This significant initiative was a crucial part of a broader environmental awareness campaign, aligning with the Prime Minister’s inspiring ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ (Cleanliness is Service) movement.
This year’s International Coastal Cleanup was organized under the compelling theme, “Turning the Tide on Ocean Trash.” The annual ICC day is globally recognized and supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP), highlighting its worldwide importance.
The event garnered considerable support from key figures, with Visakhapatnam Member of Parliament, M. Sribharat, gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest. District Collector MN Harendhira Prasad also attended as the esteemed Guest of Honor, underscoring the collective commitment to environmental preservation.
A diverse assembly of volunteers demonstrated incredible community spirit, including personnel from the CISF, NCC cadets, employees from corporate giants like Adani Group, HPCL, and IOCL, alongside enthusiastic students from various schools and colleges. Crucially, Indian Coast Guard personnel and their families also dedicated their time, reinforcing a strong sense of ownership and responsibility.
The impact of this unified effort was remarkable. According to Deputy Inspector General Rajesh Mittal, Commander Coast Guard District HQ-6, the cleanup drive successfully removed approximately 600 kg of recyclable plastic waste and an additional 700 kg of other dry refuse from the beach. This collective action not only made the beach visibly cleaner but also sent a powerful message about the urgent need to protect our oceans from pollution.