Mumbai: On the occasion of International Coastal Cleanup Day, Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, announced the launch of a new initiative to support youth-led recycling startups aimed at fostering a cleaner and greener planet. Speaking at a Mega Beach Clean-up Drive at Juhu Beach, Mumbai, the Minister revealed new Guidelines for One-Time Financial Support for Establishing Recycling Plants. The drive was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the Government of Maharashtra, and the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai.
Addressing a large crowd of volunteers, including youth, environmentalists, and local residents, the Minister highlighted the need to balance resource utilization with responsible waste management. “While nature generously provides us with pure resources, we often return waste,” said Yadav, urging the public to reconsider their daily actions and contribute to preserving the environment.
Yadav also emphasized the necessity of adopting a range of sustainable practices, including water conservation, promoting technologies that reduce solid waste, and encouraging innovative waste disposal methods. He called for a ban on single-use plastics, food waste reduction, and healthier lifestyle promotion, underlining the government’s commitment to combat environmental degradation.
One of the key initiatives promoted by the Minister was the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” tree-planting campaign, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “By planting a tree, we express gratitude to Mother Earth, acknowledging the nurturing role our mothers play in life,” he said.
The clean-up drive at Juhu Beach was part of a larger nationwide campaign, with simultaneous beach cleaning efforts taking place at more than 100 other beaches across India’s coastal states and Union Territories. This year’s theme, “Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata”, stressed the importance of natural cleanliness and cultural responsibility in preserving marine ecosystems.
Governor of Maharashtra, C.P. Radhakrishnan, commended the participants for their dedication but noted that more needs to be done. “One day of action is not enough. This initiative should continue throughout the year, as small beginnings lead to big changes,” said the Governor, adding that engaging young people is critical to the vision of a Clean Mumbai, Green Mumbai, and ultimately, a Clean Bharat, Green Bharat.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde echoed these sentiments, recognizing the vital role that cleanliness plays in boosting tourism along the state’s 720 km-long coastline. He praised the ongoing cleanup efforts, which started on September 17 at Girgaum Chowpatty and will continue until October 2, urging more citizens to get involved.
Participants of the drive also took a pledge titled “I Am Saving My Beach,” committing to maintaining clean shores and supporting the broader national campaign spearheaded by Prime Minister Modi, who has made cleanliness a national priority. Volunteers also formed human chains and engaged in hands-on beach cleaning activities, reinforcing the importance of community-driven environmental action.