changeadminOn the occasion of World Environment Day 2025, the Indian Coast Guard reaffirmed its leading role in marine conservation and sustainable maritime governance.
Focused on this year’s theme of ‘Combating Plastic Pollution,’ ICG conducted various activities including coastal clean-up drives, awareness campaigns, walkathons, plastic waste removal efforts, community interaction programmes, and tree plantation drives.
With over 58 major coastal clean-up operations removing more than 194 tonnes of plastic waste in the past year, the Indian Coast Guard has significantly contributed to this year’s global theme, Beat Plastic Pollution, under flagship campaigns such as Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar, Puneet Sagar Abhiyan, and Mission LiFE.
To amplify awareness, the ICG organised educational sessions highlighting the importance of marine biodiversity, the consequences of marine pollution, and the need for sustainable environmental practices.
Emphasising community engagement, the events witnessed enthusiastic participation from school children, NGOs, local residents, volunteers, and other stakeholders, particularly along coastal areas.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is a maritime law enforcement and search and rescue agency of India, operating under the Ministry of Defence.
Operating along India’s extensive 11,000 km coastline, the ICG safeguards critical ecosystems including coral reefs, mangroves, and nesting beaches that support coastal biodiversity and livelihoods.
The service also acts as the nation’s frontline defence against marine environmental hazards.
With pollution control vessels like Samudra Prahari, Samudra Paheredar, and Samudra Pavak, the ICG leads swift response efforts against oil spills and chemical pollution, reinforced through large-scale NATPOLREX exercises involving over 50 national stakeholders.
Beyond pollution control, the ICG continues to play a vital role in wildlife conservation.
In 2025, through Operation Olivia, the Indian Coast Guard protected over 6.98 lakh olive ridley turtles nesting along Odisha’s coast. Operation Olivia was a significant environmental initiative aimed at ensuring safe nesting grounds for sea turtles, particularly at Gahirmatha Beach, which sees the arrival of over 800 thousand individuals each year.
Anti-poaching efforts in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands further curbed the illegal trade of endangered marine species, including sea cucumbers and corals.
The ICG’s initiatives underline its proactive role in marine conservation and its alignment with national and global environmental goals, working towards a cleaner, greener, and healthier planet for future generations.
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