International Coastal Cleanup Day Promotes Cleaner Coasts at KWC

Report on International Coastal Cleanup Day

The KWC NSS Unit No. 248 of Kamaraj Women’s College, Thoothukudi, organized an International Coastal Cleanup Day programme on 19 September 2026 at the Walking Track, Roche Park, Thoothukudi. The programme took place from 6.30 a.m. to 8.30 a.m. with the active participation of NSS volunteers and students.

The programme aimed to create awareness about coastal cleanliness, environmental protection and responsible waste management. Moreover, the activity encouraged students to understand their role in protecting coastal areas and maintaining clean surroundings.

Objectives of International Coastal Cleanup Day

The programme focused on the following objectives:

• Create awareness about coastal cleanliness
• Promote environmental responsibility among students
• Encourage responsible waste management
• Highlight the importance of protecting coastal environments
• Create awareness about the need to maintain clean oceans
• Encourage students to participate in environmental activities
• Promote cleanliness and hygiene in public spaces
• Strengthen environmental awareness through community service

Thus, the programme combined environmental awareness, cleanliness and social responsibility.

Coastal Cleanup Activity at Roche Park

NSS volunteers and students actively participated in the cleanliness activities at the Walking Track, Roche Park.

The participants worked together to keep the surroundings clean and hygienic. In addition, the activity encouraged them to understand that maintaining public spaces requires responsible participation from everyone.

The programme also gave students an opportunity to contribute directly to an environmental activity instead of learning about environmental protection only through classroom discussions.

Therefore, the cleanup activity turned environmental awareness into practical action.

Awareness on Coastal Cleanliness

The International Coastal Cleanup Day programme highlighted the importance of keeping coastal areas clean.

Coastal environments form an important part of the local ecosystem. Therefore, maintaining cleanliness in such areas contributes to a healthier environment.

Moreover, the programme encouraged students to understand how individual actions can influence the cleanliness of public and coastal spaces.

Through active participation, students gained a stronger sense of responsibility towards their surroundings.

Environmental Protection

Environmental protection formed a key message of the programme.

Students learned about the importance of caring for coastal surroundings and maintaining clean oceans. Furthermore, the activity encouraged them to develop environmentally responsible habits in their daily lives.

The programme helped students understand that environmental protection requires continuous effort and responsible behaviour.

Thus, the activity strengthened their awareness of the need to protect natural surroundings for the future.

Responsible Waste Management

The programme also created awareness about responsible waste management.

Students understood the importance of keeping waste away from coastal areas and maintaining clean public spaces. Moreover, the activity encouraged them to become more responsible in the way they handle waste.

Responsible waste practices can contribute to cleaner surroundings and reduce the burden on the environment.

Therefore, the programme connected coastal cleanliness with everyday environmental responsibility.

Protecting Coastal Environments

Thoothukudi has a strong connection with the coast, making coastal awareness particularly meaningful for students.

The activity encouraged participants to understand the importance of protecting coastal environments and maintaining clean surroundings.

Furthermore, the programme reminded students that protecting the coast requires participation from individuals and communities.

As a result, students gained practical exposure to an activity that directly supported environmental awareness.

Role of NSS Volunteers

The NSS volunteers actively participated in the cleanup activities and contributed to the smooth conduct of the programme.

Their involvement reflected the NSS values of community service, responsibility and active citizenship.

Moreover, participation in environmental activities gives students an opportunity to serve society while developing awareness about issues that affect their surroundings.

The programme also encouraged volunteers to carry the message of cleanliness and environmental responsibility beyond the event.

Guidance and Coordination

The programme took place under the guidance of Dr. R. Jeya Lakshmi, Staff Coordinator.

The following student coordinators extended their support:

• M. Kanishmathi – I B.Sc. Microbiology
• J. Harshini – I BBA

The Staff Coordinator, student coordinators, NSS volunteers and participating students worked together during the programme.

Moreover, their cooperation helped the activity proceed smoothly from 6.30 a.m. to 8.30 a.m.

Learning Through Community Service

The International Coastal Cleanup Day provided students with an opportunity to learn through direct community service.

Students actively contributed to cleanliness instead of simply discussing environmental issues. Therefore, the programme connected awareness with practical responsibility.

Furthermore, working together helped participants understand the importance of collective action in protecting the environment.

Such activities also encourage students to become more aware of the impact of their everyday choices on their surroundings.

Promoting Clean Oceans

The programme encouraged students to recognize the importance of maintaining clean coastal areas and oceans.

Participants gained awareness about their responsibility towards the environment. In addition, they learned that simple actions related to cleanliness and waste management can contribute to environmental protection.

Thus, the programme strengthened the message that protecting coastal environments begins with responsible individual and community behaviour.

Programme Outcomes

The International Coastal Cleanup Day programme provided several useful outcomes:

• Students gained greater awareness about coastal cleanliness
• NSS volunteers actively participated in environmental service
• The programme promoted responsible waste management
• Students understood the importance of protecting coastal environments
• The activity encouraged participants to maintain clean public spaces
• Students gained practical exposure to environmental service
• The programme promoted teamwork and collective responsibility
• Participants understood the importance of maintaining clean oceans
• The activity strengthened environmental awareness among students
• The programme encouraged responsible behaviour towards the environment

As a result, the programme successfully combined coastal cleanliness, environmental awareness, responsible waste management and community service.

Conclusion of International Coastal Cleanup Day

The International Coastal Cleanup Day programme organized by KWC NSS Unit No. 248 provided students and NSS volunteers with a meaningful opportunity to contribute to environmental protection.

The cleanliness activity at the Walking Track, Roche Park, Thoothukudi, encouraged participants to understand the importance of keeping coastal surroundings clean and hygienic. Moreover, the programme strengthened awareness about responsible waste management and the need to protect coastal environments.

The programme concluded successfully at 8.30 a.m. with thanks to the Principal, Correspondent, Staff Coordinator, student coordinators, NSS volunteers and participating students for their active support and participation.

Overall, the programme encouraged students to turn environmental awareness into action and strengthened their commitment towards cleaner coasts, clean oceans and a healthier environment.