New Delhi: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh on Tuesday launched the fifth edition of Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar 2026, a nationwide campaign aimed at encouraging public participation in ocean conservation and coastal cleanliness.
The week-long SSSS v.5.0 campaign will be held from September 12 to 19, 2026, bringing together citizens, students, youth, coastal communities, volunteers and organisations for a range of ocean conservation activities.
Beach Clean-Ups and Public Participation
The campaign, spearheaded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, will feature activities across more than 100 locations, including beach clean-up drives and other citizen engagement programmes.
Key activities planned during the campaign include:
- Beach clean-up drives across 100+ locations
- Ocean conservation pledge
- Human chains
- Cycling rallies and marathons
- Youth-focused activities
- Ozone Day-related programmes
- Other public participation initiatives
Dr Jitendra Singh said the campaign has grown into a people’s movement and called for participation from families, educational institutions, organisations and communities.
First National Ocean Olympiad for Youth
A major feature of the fifth edition is the launch of the first-ever national Ocean Olympiad, aimed at engaging students and young people in learning about oceans and environmental conservation.
The initiative will provide a platform for youth to test their knowledge of ocean-related issues while encouraging greater awareness of marine and coastal conservation.
Digital Platforms Launched
As part of the campaign launch, the ministry unveiled a dedicated ocean conservation pledge, the SSSS v.5.0 website, an introductory video and a video outlining the campaign’s activities and schedule.
Citizens can participate through the campaign’s official digital platforms, including the pledge portal and Ocean Olympiad.
India’s 11,000-Km Coastline in Focus
Highlighting the importance of the campaign, Dr Jitendra Singh said India has a coastline stretching over 11,000 km, covering its eastern and western coastal regions.
The minister urged citizens, schools, colleges and community organisations to participate in the campaign and make ocean conservation a collective effort.
How Citizens Can Participate
The Ministry of Earth Sciences has invited citizens to join the campaign through several initiatives:
- India Coastal Cleanup: Participate in beach clean-up activities at designated locations.
- Ocean Pledge: Take the pledge to support ocean conservation.
- SSSS v.5.0 App: Download the SAGAR PRAHARI mobile application for campaign updates.
- Ocean Olympiad: Register and participate in the national ocean-themed knowledge initiative.
The campaign is being organised as part of the government’s broader focus on public participation in environmental conservation, with activities designed to involve citizens directly in keeping India’s coastal areas clean and promoting awareness about ocean protection.
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