Port Blair, Sep 17: The Indian Coast Guard, A&N Region on Saturday organized coastal clean up drive under the aegis of ‘Swachh Sagar Abhiyan’ at Carbyn’s Cove beach. About 700 school & college students, NGOs, NCC cadets and Armed Forces personnel participated in the programme. The Lt Governor of A&N Islands, Prof Jagdish Mukhi and the Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray also participated in the coastal cleanup programme. Vice Admiral Bimal Verma, C-in-C, ANC and Shri Anindo Mujumdar, Chief Secretary also provided impetus to collective efforts and to spread awareness on the ‘Clean Ocean & Beaches’ construct.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor lauded the Indian Coast Guard, A&N Region for their dedication and commitment towards their duty and selfless services for the people of the Islands. He said the Coast Guard has lived up to the expectations of the people of the Islands by rendering a number of services for the welfare of the local population besides carrying out its primary duty of ensuing search & rescue and coastal security. The Coast Guard besides extending its assistance to the local fishermen and people of the coastal community during their difficult times, also plays an important role in counter piracy operations and protecting the marine environment of the Islands, he said.
The Lt Governor further stated that the A&N Islands are being seen as an emerging tourist destination: thus it would be the efforts of his Administration to provide the best tourism facilities. For development of tourism infrastructure facilities, the initial step should be to protect the environment and the responsibility for the preservation and protection of the environment lies with the citizens of the Islands, he observed. The very purpose of the coastal cleanup programme organized by the Coast Guard is to spread the message of cleanliness and security of the marine environment of these Islands”, he said and added that a larger section of people of the Islands depend on the maritime wealth for their livelihood. Thus, providing security and protection to the maritime environment is very important, he said. The Lt Governor on the occasion called upon the people of the Islands to participate in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan initiative started by the Prime Minister of our country, Shri Narendra Modi in order to make it a success. He was touched by the zeal and enthusiasm of the school & college students and others to make this initiative a success. The Lt Governor also gave away awards to the participants of the coastal cleanup campaign.
The Inspector General, Indian Coast Guard, A&N Region, Kuldip Singh Sheoran informed about the importance of organizing the event. The symbolic event has simultaneously been conducted by Coast Guard stations at Diglipur, Mayabunder, Hut Bay, Kamorta and Campbell Bay.
