New Delhi, 12 July (H.S.): The Central Government will conduct the nationwide coastal cleanliness campaign, 'Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar' (Clean Sea, Safe Sea), from September 10 to 19. Reviewing preparations for the campaign, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the need for stronger coordination among scientific institutions. He said the campaign should be transformed into a nationwide public movement by integrating technological innovation, public participation and inter-departmental collaboration.
According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh chaired a high-level meeting on Sunday with Secretaries and senior officials of various science ministries and departments. The meeting was attended by Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Prof. Umesh V. Waghmare, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, along with several other senior officials.
The meeting reviewed the strategy and preparedness for the 'Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar' campaign, which aims to promote coastal cleanliness, environmental conservation and public awareness along India's coastline. The campaign will ensure the participation of scientific institutions, government agencies, volunteers, educational institutions and local communities.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that scientific departments should function not as isolated institutions but as an integrated ecosystem. He stressed that regular interaction, knowledge sharing and joint initiatives would help ensure that the benefits of scientific advancements reach citizens directly.
The meeting also reviewed the communication strategy of the science ministries. Officials outlined plans to enhance public outreach through videos, documentaries, digital campaigns, infographics and success stories highlighting the scientific achievements made over the past 12 years, particularly during the last two years of the present government.
The Department of Science and Technology presented its public awareness strategy for key initiatives, including the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), the National Quantum Mission, the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems and other flagship programmes. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) informed the meeting that it is preparing a comprehensive publication documenting its major achievements over the past 12 years, which will be released on the occasion of CSIR Foundation Day later this year.
The Department of Biotechnology highlighted its publication series showcasing contributions in public health, the bioeconomy, genomics, agricultural biotechnology and the startup ecosystem. It also shared details of the 'DBT Quest' public outreach campaign.
The meeting further reviewed ongoing collaborative research programmes, innovation platforms and joint initiatives involving CSIR, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and other scientific institutions, including collaborative programmes focused on the North Eastern region. Discussions were also held on promoting wider use of digital platforms and projects under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that India's scientific ecosystem has entered a new phase in which research excellence, technological innovation, institutional coordination and public participation must progress together. He reaffirmed the Government's commitment to making science more accessible, impactful and development-oriented.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
