An Indian Ocean plastic-free

In the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, India assured the world community that it is committed to protect at least 30 per cent of our lands, waters and oceans. India announced that it will undertake a massive coastal clean-up drive that will cover 75 beaches across the country.

India offered to provide science and innovation-based solutions for the implementation of SDG-14 at the World Ocean Summit. Goal-14 calls for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources. 

The results out from the Beach Litter Survey revealed that the maximum litter accumulation occurs on the backshore than in the inter-tidal zone. Urban beaches have higher accumulation rates than rural beaches. The stations located near the river mouth had higher numbers of microplastic concentrations.

The litter, especially plastics, badly affect the marine biodiversity, ecosystems, fisheries, human health and the economy. To tackle this, PM Modi requested start-ups, technicians and entrepreneurs for recycling this plastic, and he urged people to promote jute and cloth bags.

India is trying to solve this problem through a campaign named "Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar", launched on July 5.  A mobile app "Eco Mitram", has been launched to spread awareness about the campaign and to register the volunteers. It is believed that this initiative will bring a change by raising awareness about how plastic usage is destroyng our marine life.