Coastal Talk News | Karwar
Plastic waste has emerged as one of the biggest environmental challenges facing the world, with coastal regions and marine ecosystems bearing a significant share of its impact. Plastic debris entering the sea threatens marine life and damages biodiversity. Against this backdrop, Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Cell of the Forest Department in Karwar has made a notable contribution to coastal conservation by collecting around 4,000 kg of plastic waste over 22 days of cleanup operations recently. With the aim of achieving a plastic-free coast, cleaner beaches and protecting marine biodiversity, the department launched the drive in August 2026 along the coastline stretching from Majali in Karwar to Ankola. During 22 days of operations spread over a three-month period, the team collected around 4,000 tonnes of plastic waste. The collected material was segregated and handed over to the concerned urban local bodies for appropriate disposal.
The team, comprising Forest Department officers and staff from the Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Cell, has been carrying out beach clean-up drives every week, taking up a different beach each time. Apart from its regular operations, the team also participates in cleanliness drives organised by various organisations, extending support to community-led efforts to protect the coastal environment. The department has continued its weekly activities without interruption.
Plastic bottles, carry bags, food wrappers and other discarded materials frequently accumulate along the coast, disturbing the marine ecosystem. Carried by waves and currents, this waste can spread over long distances and pose a threat to fish, turtles and other marine creatures. As plastic breaks down into smaller fragments, microplastics can enter the food chain, raising further environmental concerns.
In this context, the work undertaken by the Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Cell is an important step towards reducing the burden of plastic pollution on the coastline. The quantity collected is not merely a measure of the waste removed, but it also shows the sustained effort required to keep beaches clean and protect marine habitats.
However, collecting plastic waste alone cannot eliminate the problem. Reducing the use of plastic, encouraging reuse and ensuring that waste is disposed of properly are equally important. Lasting results will depend on the active participation of tourists, fishermen, local residents and businesses in adopting environmentally responsible practices.
Preventing plastic waste from entering the sea, segregating waste at source and creating public awareness are essential to protecting coastal and marine ecosystems. The responsibility for conservation rests not only with the government or individual organisations but also with every citizen.
The clean-up initiative is being carried out under the leadership of the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Karwar, and the guidance of the Assistant Conservators of Forests of the Karwar and Ankola sub-divisions. Range Forest Officers, Deputy Range Forest Officers, Forest Guards and Forest Watchers are regularly participating in beach-cleaning activities as part of the effort to make the coastline plastic-free.
Appealing to visitors to act responsibly, Gajanan S Naik, Range Forest Officer of the Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Cell, Karwar, said tourists should enjoy the beauty of the beaches while ensuring that plastic and food waste brought by them are disposed of appropriately.
“Even a small act of environmental responsibility by visitors can make a big difference. Proper disposal of waste will help preserve a clean and beautiful natural environment for future generations” he said.
