Chennai, 19 September 2026:
Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, through its Centre for Ocean Research, in collaboration with the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) and the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), organized an awareness campaign for International Coastal Cleanup Day 2026 at Akkarai Beach, Chennai, on 19 September 2026. The programme commenced with a welcome address, followed by a pledge led by the Chief Guest, Prof. Dr. B. Sheela Rani, Vice -Chancellor of Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, which emphasized the conservation and protection of ocean ecosystems. The pledge highlighted the collective responsibility to safeguard marine biodiversity, maintain clean and healthy oceans, and promote the sustainable use of marine resources. Dr. R. S. Kankara, Director, National Centre for Coastal Research, Government of India, participated as the special guest and delivered the keynote address. Dr. D. Inbakandan, Professor and Head of the Centre for Ocean Research, delivered the vote of thanks. Mr. M. Abdul Rahman, Secretary of the Mangrove Foundation of India (MFI), attended as the representative of the association partner for the program.
The coastal cleanup event was coordinated by Dr. S. Sivaraj, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Ocean Research, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology; Dr. C. Kumar, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Ocean Research; Dr. N. John Paul, Associate Professor and NSS Programme Coordinator; and Mr. J. Yuvaraj, Assistant Professor, Department of Viscom. The event engaged 200 participants, including 130 National Service Scheme (NSS) students, 70 students from the Department of Marine Biology, research scholars, and faculty members. Cleanup activities were conducted along a one-kilometre stretch of coastline. Approximately 214 kg of marine litter, including garbage and plastic waste, were collected, segregated, and handed over to sanitation workers from the Greater Chennai Corporation. The event provided practical experience and served as a valuable opportunity for environmental education. The program demonstrated the significant role educational institutions can play in environmental protection by translating global challenges into effective local actions.