Dressed in formal white uniforms, they were a reassuring sight – dedicated people safeguarding our precious waters.

India has a coastline of over 7500 km. The Indian Coast Guard is India’s maritime law enforcement and search and rescue agency. With over 14,000 personnel, the Coast Guard has jurisdiction over India’s territorial waters, including its contiguous and exclusive economic zones.

I had spent many days working with the Coast Guard officials to organize this event and was awestruck by their meticulous work culture. Nothing was taken for granted; every step was carefully considered. The presence of so many senior officials from the Indian Coast Guard amplified the importance of the event. Their dedication to environmental protection and emphasis on plastic pollution was evident as they worked alongside volunteers, encouraging and appreciating everyone’s efforts.

Helicopters and Drones Above, Volunteers Below

The atmosphere intensified as an Indian Coast Guard helicopter, adorned with the organization’s emblem, circled above the event venue. The rhythmic whirl of the blades, combined with the ground action, painted a picture of unified forces working toward a single goal—restoring our beaches. Meanwhile, drone cameras soared above, capturing sweeping visuals of volunteers removing debris from the sands. These aerial shots, broadcasting the enormity of the event, served as a reminder of the scale of the battle against coastal pollution and the impact of the volunteers’ hard work.

The Cleanup in Full Swing

The Girgaon Chowpatty cleanup was in full swing by mid-morning. Teams of volunteers methodically combed the beach, removing plastic bottles, fishing nets and other debris. The collective effort resulted in the removal of 3,000 kgs of waste, a staggering amount symbolizing the problem’s magnitude and the power of united action.

Art, Activism, and Reflection

While the cleanup continued, the beach transformed into a canvas for environmental activism. A breathtaking sand art installation drew all to its powerful message about plastic pollution, evoking emotions and raising awareness among the volunteers and passersby.

The performance of a thought-provoking street play brought to life the urgency of reducing single-use plastics, captivating audiences and urging them to reflect on their role in combating pollution. These artistic expressions added a layer of depth to the event, resonating with all those present and leaving a lasting impact.

The pièce de résistance, something not seen before, was the body painting artists. The body painting artists depicted the devastating impact of plastic waste and pollution on the oceans, highlighting scenes of decaying reefs, ocean pollution, marine creatures ingesting plastic, and oil spills. T

his spectacular display of art left all in awe. It sparked conversations among volunteers and onlookers on what actions they could take to help reduce plastic pollution.

The event wrapped up with an atmosphere of achievement. As the helicopter made its final swoop over the beach and the drones hovered for the last shots, a sense of triumph hung in the air. The collaborative effort had cleaned a beach and amplified a message that would ripple across the city and beyond. The fight against plastic is one we must all join.

Heading Home, Gratitude and Resolve

As volunteers dispersed, many lingered to admire the now pristine shoreline, taking pride in their contribution to the cause. Conversations buzzed with talk of the impact of the day’s work, with volunteers sharing stories of their most memorable moments. We boarded buses and cars, satisfied with the day’s achievement and inspired by the partnership between Earth Day Network India and the Indian Coast Guard, carrying with us a renewed sense of responsibility towards our environment and a deep gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a significant initiative.

The Indian Coast Guard’s deep appreciation for Earth Day Network India was clear, as senior officers personally thanked the organization for spearheading such a grand event. “We wanted Earth Day Network India and no one else to collaborate with for this event, knowing the team’s dedication and passion,” a senior officer said, acknowledging the significance of the partnership and collaborative effort.

By the time we were finished I was exhausted but elated – we had cleaned up, we had a lot of support, and I know that a lot of the volunteers there learned a lot about why plastics are SO bad for us, and the environment. I think we won a lot of hearts and minds!

Thank you to everyone who came and joined this momentous event. We appreciate you all! Please let’s keep the momentum going so that we can realize a plastic free world one day, a world where we don’t have to clean up the plastic industry’s mess!

If you want to get involved, sign up for your own cleanup, anywhere in the world and put in on our Great Global Cleanup Map.  Or sign our Global Plastic Treaty Petition calling on the world’s governments to come together in December 2024 and cap plastic production, so that we can reduce it by 60% by 2040.