Gopalpur, Sept 19: International Coastal Cleanup Day 2026 was observed at Gopalpur Beach on Saturday with the message “Clean Ocean, Safe Ocean.”

A major beach-cleaning drive was organised by the Odisha State Pollution Control Board, Berhampur, under the Environment and Climate Change Department.

The campaign focused on removing plastic and other waste while spreading awareness about protecting the marine environment.

Odisha Commerce, Transport and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena joined the cleanup drive and participated in the beach-cleaning activities.

Ganjam Collector V. Keerthi Vasan, administrative officials, volunteers, students and local residents also took part in the programme, calling for collective efforts to keep beaches clean and protect the ocean ecosystem.