​​​​​​​Bhubaneswar, September 19: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday urged people to keep the state's coastline clean and protect its marine ecosystems, saying the ocean is an integral part of Odisha's identity, heritage and way of life.

In a message on International Coastal Cleanup Day, Majhi said maintaining clean beaches and healthy oceans would not only protect the environment but also help strengthen livelihoods and promote a thriving Blue Economy.

"Let every hand that removes waste from our shores become a hand that protects a livelihood, and every clean beach a promise to our children," Majhi said in a social media post.

"Let us keep Odisha's shores clean, its oceans healthy and our coastal communities secure, while building a thriving Blue Economy that carries our timeless bond with the sea into a new future," he added.

Majhi said Odisha's coastline was much more than a stretch of sand and sea, describing it as an integral part of the state's cultural identity and traditions.

"From the sacred shores of Puri to Gopalpur, from the mangroves of Bhitarkanika to the nesting grounds of Olive Ridley turtles, our coast carries stories, traditions and memories passed down generations," he said.

Referring to the sea at Puri as 'Mahodadhi', a name found in the Puranas and other scriptures, Majhi said it stands as a witness to the sacred land of Lord Jagannath and reflects Odisha's enduring relationship with nature, faith and its traditional way of life.

He said the history and future of Odisha's coastline were closely linked to its coastal communities.

"For generations, our coastal communities, including fishers, boatmen, farmers, women, youth and countless families, have lived alongside the 'Mahodadhi'. Protecting our coast is therefore not merely about preserving our shores; it is about safeguarding livelihoods, marine ecosystems and the future of our Blue Economy," Majhi said.

The Chief Minister also appreciated the Centre's initiatives to promote ocean and coastal clean-up activities. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on building a cleaner and more sustainable India through people's participation had provided fresh momentum to collective environmental action.

Majhi called for continued public participation in keeping Odisha's coastline clean and protecting its marine resources for future generations.