The beautiful Ponnani beach buzzed with activity recently as the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), based in Hyderabad, orchestrated a comprehensive clean-up drive. This event, held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, was part of a larger celebration for International Coastal Clean-up Day, highlighting a collective commitment to protecting our oceans.
As an autonomous organization operating under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, INCOIS collaborated with key local partners, including the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos), MES Ponnani College, and the Ponnani municipality. This joint effort was a significant component of the Union government’s impactful ‘Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar’ (Clean Ocean, Safe Ocean) campaign, emphasizing the critical need for marine conservation.
The clean-up initiative was officially launched by Ponnani municipal chairperson Sivadasan Attupuram. During the event, INCOIS scientist A.G. Nidheesh shared insights into the institute’s vital ocean information services and passionately underscored the urgent necessity of safeguarding our delicate marine ecosystems, particularly from the pervasive threat of plastic pollution.
Ponnani municipal chairperson Sivadasan Attupuram inaugurating the beach clean-up drive, recognizing an NCC cadet’s participation in the effort.
A diverse group of participants, including dedicated scientists, enthusiastic students, and committed local volunteers, converged to meticulously clear the shoreline. Their collective efforts not only enhanced the beach’s cleanliness but also served to amplify awareness regarding the severe impact of ocean pollution. They vividly demonstrated how plastic waste not only diminishes the natural beauty of our coasts but also poses a grave danger to precious marine life. Through their hard work, approximately 100 kg of plastic waste was successfully removed from the beach.
The dedicated clean-up team proudly displays the significant amount of waste collected from Ponnani beach.
The event also featured insights from several prominent speakers, including Coastal Police Circle Inspector Sasidharan Melayil, MES Ponnani College Assistant Professor Rajool Shanis, Fisheries Extension Officer K.C. Adarsh, and Kufos representative Krishna Prasad, all of whom reiterated the importance of such community-led environmental stewardship.