Governor R.V. Arlekar Calls for Everyday Cleanliness at Marina Beach During International Coastal Cleanup Day

On Saturday, September 19, 2026, Tamil Nadu Governor R.V. Arlekar rolled up his sleeves and stood shoulder‑to‑shoulder with volunteers on the golden sands of Marina Beach, Chennai. The occasion was the International Coastal Cleanup Day, a global event that this year formed the climax of India’s Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 5.0 campaign.

“It’s sad that we have to come here and clean,” the Governor remarked, his voice echoing over the chatter of youngsters armed with gloves and bags. “Cleaning should be a habit, not a one‑off affair.” He stressed that keeping beaches, air and everything around us tidy must become part of our everyday routine, not just something we do on a designated day.

The crowd was a lively mix of students, local residents and members of marine‑science institutes. Their collective effort—picking up plastic bottles, stray nets and other litter—spoke louder than any speech. “I’m not here to deliver a message; the youth have already shown us the way,” Arlekar added, acknowledging the volunteers’ silent but powerful statement.

Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 5.0, now in its fifth edition, is a nationwide drive launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Running from September 12 to 19, it aims to curb marine debris, promote responsible waste disposal and raise awareness about ocean health across India’s coastal stretches.

Earlier in the week, a similar cleanup took place at Digha Beach in West Bengal, where about a hundred college students teamed up with marine officials. That pre‑event helped set the tone for the larger gathering at Marina Beach, underscoring the campaign’s emphasis on community participation.

The day’s activities went beyond trash collection. Participants took the Ocean Conservation Pledge, attended short talks on sustainable coastal practices, and joined youth‑engagement programmes designed to keep the momentum alive long after the last bag of waste was emptied.

Governor Arlekar’s presence highlighted Chennai’s commitment to the cause, aligning the city with coastal towns across the nation that are pledging cleaner shores and healthier oceans. As the sun set over the Bay of Bengal, the beach looked a little brighter—a small but tangible reminder that habit, not just occasional effort, can make a lasting difference.