Coastal Clean-up Drive by Fakir Mohan University at Chandipur Beach An Exemplary Blend of Environmental Protection, Youth Power, and Social Responsibility to Keep the Coast Plastic-Free

Balasore, 20/9(Krushna Kumar Mohanty) On the occasion of International Coastal Clean-up Day 2025, Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, set a remarkable example of environmental stewardship, youthful energy, and collective social responsibility by organizing a massive beach-cleaning programme at Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha. This pan-India programme was observed across 50 coastal locations of the country, including the Chandipur initiative, which was jointly organized in collaboration with the National Center for Coastal Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.

Inspired by the vision of Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. Santosh Kumar Tripathy, around 135 volunteers, including students, faculty members, and non-teaching staff actively participated in the drive. Together, they collected over 1.8 tons of plastic, glass, and other non-degradable materials, restoring cleanliness to the beach.

The campaign went beyond waste collection. Volunteers carried placards, raised slogans, and organized an awareness rally, sending out a powerful message to the local community: “The coast is our heritage; its protection is our foremost duty.”

The awareness programme was graced by the presence of distinguished faculty members, including Prof. Bhaskar Behera (Chairman, P.G. Council), Prof. Amulya Acharya, Prof. Pankaj Kumar Parhi, Dr. Nihar Ranjan Rout, Dr. Ashant Ranjan Rout, Dr. Debadutta Das, Dr. Asim Amitabh Pradhan, Mr. Arun Kumar Naik, Dr. Avay Kumar Naik, Mrs. Sabita Soren, Mr. Debadutta Nayak, among others. The drive was coordinated by Dr. Smruti Rekha Sahoo, Assistant Professor in Geology, who motivated and guided the volunteers in achieving the goal of a clean coast.

Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Santosh Kumar Tripathy emphasized:
“Protecting our environment is a shared duty. The sense of responsibility demonstrated here, along with the proactive involvement of our youth, marks a new beginning for transformative change.”

Fakir Mohan University reaffirmed its commitment to continue such initiatives focusing on coastal cleanliness, environmental conservation, and social awareness as a regular practice in the future.