On World Environment Day 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is leading efforts in marine conservation, emphasizing the importance of protecting India’s extensive 11,000 km coastline. This year’s theme, #BeatPlasticPollution, highlights the urgent need to address marine contamination. In response, the ICG has launched initiatives like Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar and Puneet Sagar Abhiyan, conducting over 58 coastal clean-up operations last year that removed more than 194 tonnes of plastic waste. These efforts actively involve youth, fishermen, and local communities in safeguarding ocean health.
The ICG also acts as a frontline defense against environmental disasters, responding swiftly to oil spills and chemical hazards. Utilizing specialized Pollution Control Vessels, the ICG implements Tier-I mitigation strategies to contain and neutralize pollutants, preventing ecological damage. Through biannual NATPOLREX exercises, the ICG coordinates with over 50 national stakeholders to enhance large-scale pollution response capabilities.
In addition to pollution control, the ICG engages in wildlife conservation, exemplified by Operation Olivia, which protected nearly 700,000 nesting olive ridley turtles in Odisha. Their anti-poaching operations in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands combat illegal trade of protected marine species, ensuring the preservation of fragile ecosystems. As India observes World Environment Day, the ICG calls on citizens to reduce plastic use and actively participate in conservation efforts.
