Summary：**Science Ministries Rally for Clean Coasts: ‘Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar’ Begins Sept 2026****Int

**Science Ministries Rally for Clean Coasts: ‘Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar’ Begins Sept 2026**

**Introduction**
India’s scientific community is mobilizing for a nationwide coastal cleanup initiative set to launch in September 2026. Dubbed *Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar* (Clean Sea, Safe Sea), the program brings together the Ministries of Earth Sciences, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Science and Technology to curb marine litter, restore habitats, and safeguard livelihoods that depend on healthy oceans. The announcement follows a series of alarming reports showing plastic concentrations along the Indian coastline have risen by over 40 % in the past five years.

**Key Developments**
A joint task force will coordinate satellite‑based monitoring, community‑driven beach surveys, and the deployment of low‑cost biodegradable collection devices. Pilot projects in Gujarat, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu have already demonstrated that integrating local fisherfolk with scientific expertise can cut shoreline waste by up to 60 % within six months. Funding for the first phase—approximately ₹1,200 crore—will be sourced from the National Clean Energy Fund and supplemented by corporate social responsibility contributions from maritime and tourism sectors. Training modules, developed by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and the National Institute of Oceanography, will equip volunteers with standardized data‑collection protocols, ensuring comparability across states.

**Industry Analysis**
Marine pollution imposes a hidden economic toll estimated at ₹3.5 lakh crore annually, affecting fisheries, tourism, and coastal real estate. By targeting the source—single‑use plastics and inadequate waste‑management infrastructure—the initiative aligns with global Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) and India’s own National Marine Litter Policy. Analysts note that early adopters of circular‑economy practices in port cities could see a 12 % reduction in operational costs related to waste handling, while eco‑tourism operators stand to gain from cleaner beaches attracting higher visitor spend. Moreover, the data generated will feed