Visakhapatnam, 19 September (H.S.): The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, in association with Andhra University and Vignana Bharati (VIBHA), launched the pilot phase of the

NIRMaL Sāgar programme in Visakhapatnam on Saturday to establish an integrated framework for tracking marine litter.

The pilot programme was inaugurated by Dr T. Srinivasa Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, in the presence of Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat and other dignitaries.

In his welcome address, INCOIS Director Dr T. M. Balakrishnan Nair said the programme would combine ocean modelling, satellite remote sensing and AI/ML-based tools to identify marine litter hotspots, monitor their movement and forecast accumulation areas. The scientific inputs would support targeted clean-up and mitigation measures.

Aligned with the Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar mission and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the NIRMaL Sāgar programme aims to support efforts towards cleaner and healthier oceans, while promoting community participation and providing inputs for policy measures.

Sribharat sought technological and logistical support from the Ministry of Earth Sciences to prevent plastic waste from entering the oceans through open drains.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh addressed the gathering through video conference. He thanked volunteers and officials involved in efforts towards achieving the vision of a Swachh Sagar and Surakshit Sagar.

In his inaugural address, Dr T. Srinivasa Kumar reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to promoting cleaner and healthier oceans through various programmes and initiatives. He also assured support to Visakhapatnam for such efforts through initiatives including NIRMaL Sāgar.

During the pilot phase, scientific studies will be conducted in and around Visakhapatnam to identify sources of marine plastic litter, track its movement, identify potential accumulation zones and develop strategies for its removal and recycling, with the objective of supporting a circular economy.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar